I just checked and I can still read without error some 8" disks that I
wrote, what, 45 years ago. They were FM 3740-type format and good
quality, so there's that.
As to the value of the 8080 code that I wrote, not so much.
This was only possible because I wrote the disks in a commonly-used
format on a relatively common medium. Had I opted to use Memorex 651
media, it might well be gone forever. I haven't seen a 651 drive in years.
Which is why I wasn't joking about using 9 track 1/2" tape. Many
millions of reels of the stuff were in use right up into the 1980s.
The drives are not unobtanium and the medium is pretty rugged. Had I
used 7-track tape, I would still not be out of luck, but only because I
have a 7 track drive, which is far less common these days.
Just some food for thought.
--Chuck