Lots of folks vent on 8-volt batteries here, but so far you and I Elwardo are the only ones to admit we are using one. I have never seen a post from anyone else running an 8-volt battery who mentions any of that long list of problems. I have said it many times, my next battery will be a 6-volt one again. But all the problems listed in Jerry's post I have not had any personal experience with. I did have to raise the regulator voltage as described above, it isn't quite as high as 9.5, but it is over 9 volts.
But it is certainly true that a good electrical system shouldn't need an 8 volt battery. Oh, and a partial answer to your question might be that the regulator tends to click when it is working. It isn't a gradual sort of regulation, it's on or off, but the cycles go pretty fast, so it clicks.

Karl

It may not be the easy way, but it is the Cowboy Way - Ranger Doug
Beware of the stories you read or tell; subtly, at night, beneath the waters of consciousness, they are altering your world. - Ben Okri
1953 Chevy 3100
1960 Volvo PV 544
1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe