They are more affordible for sure. They offer much the same functionality as a R9 but do not in general blow R9's away or resonate more. I've played dozens, own both R8 & 9 from 2013. They all show the same range of tones with no model having a greater likelihood of blow 'em all away resonant majesty.
It's good to search and find guitars that speak to us. Glad you found yours, my 13 Sunrise Teaburst R8 is real nice and my pal Bob' M2M 2014 lefty R8, (a mirror image of Jeff Beck Burst), is just superb on all counts.
Increased cost in R9 is reflected in higher grade timbers and finish color options.
Hi Big Al. I didn't try an R9 but I accept they must be awesome sounding too! My Les Paul is going to be gigging guitar and in a weird way that fact that it hasn't got a mega flamed high gloss top makes me feel a little less nervous about the inevitable dings that will no doubt come its way.