Noel - thanks for "being a part of this". A nice, detailed accounting of your technique.. The part about recording several takes at the same time (I think) is important. It is often difficult to "match" vocals done at different times - even when all the settings are the same. I usually do 3 (would never have the patience for 8!).

I do try to use as much of a single take as possible to keep it as "natural" as possible - replacing a word or phrase here or there that may have gotten "garbled".