Casette questions
 

Since these aren't 10 speed cassettes, I will ask you all:
I've got a handful of cassettes, some on wheels, some not, how do I tell if they are dura ace, ultegra, 105? anything I should look for? Some of them are steel, so I know they aren't DA, but some are clearly either Al or Ti.
Since you have shown your expert cassette knowledge, here's another:
If I want to save a couple for my personal bikes, and gearing is not a big deal, will I get that many more miles out of a steel one, or would I be better off with the lighter one since it is on the wheel. Does an 8 or 9 speed cassette have more value if it is made out of Al or steel? almost all are hyperglides.

The only thing that matters is if you can get a new chain to shift well on the older cogs. Some old bikes are just full or road grime and work well with new chains. Friction is best :)

I would not worry about the material. In general heavy duty is better.