I agree that breastfeeding isn't just about milk- it is about comfort, reassurance and that 'specialness' between mum and baby.

I do think that by the age of 8 though, a child needs to be taught new ways of finding that comfort, that 'specialness' with mum. I don't think continuing to breastfeed an 8 year old to give comfort is the answer IYGWIM.
Although I can see where you are coming from and I personally, know that I don't want to be BF a child of that age either, at the end of the day, who are we to judge that Mother and child?? It's none of our business really what others do if it doesn't impact on us directly, there is no harm. kwim?