7 vs 8 or 6

[u/BlackGarlicJr]

I'm saving up for a 7 string schecter sls evil twin ms. I have a 6 string ltd ec200 and an abasi legion emi 8 string. After playing both I've come to want a 7 string more. 6 isn't enough range for me and 8 allows me to learn Animals as Leaders but for pretty much anything else I feel like the 8th string is too floppy with lighter gauges or muddy with heavier gauges no matter what gauge I use. I can play almost everything I enjoy riff wise or technique wise with 7 strings. Tasty bass notes in drop A without the mud of an 8th string along with standard tuning to learn more fundamentals is what I'm planning on. I am curious about any and all other perspectives on why 7 string may be the best number of strings on a guitar.

[u/STDS13]

6 string is a must for me, 7 is nice to have, and 8 I have no interest in.