I kinda like them, being that they can take a wider tire and keep the original appearance. However, one thing I like about the original 8" wheel is the lip on the face side of the rim. I do have a set of original 7" wheels that I have been wanting to get refinished for the sake of authenticity but my 79 needs to get finished first.
As far as seeing them in the wild, my trans am is usually the only 1 I see out and about. I have been to 2 shows in the last 2 weeks. Last week well over 300 cars and 1 '78 trans am besides my 77. Yesterday about 150 cars and my TA was the only firebird/ta period.