You're free to do what you like of course. Many people prefer E8.
I would just lower the req for Leadership back down to 6th, or maybe make it an epic feat.
I wasn't talking about having the domain ability cost a feat, I meant give it to them for free but not until 6+5 or 6+10. So they still get it but not until they reach the equivalent of 8th level.
However, abilities above 6th level CAN be given out as epic feats.
Here's how I work it in my campaign:
At 6th level, every character decides if they want to be a "gestalt" character or if they want to declare a capstone class.
Gestalt characters can use epic feats to get class abilities in any class they have at least one level in, that they could have acquired if they had taken 6 levels in that class (for example, an increase of +1 to BAB, caster level (including spells known/per day), +1d6 sneak attack, Evasion, etc). Eventually they will have all the powers of a gestalt character (wizard/rogue, ranger/barbarian, etc).
Characters with a capstone class (which will include all characters with only one class) instead get three "capstone feats" which grant them abilities usually reserved for higher levels in that class. For example, a wizard might get two (DM-approved) 4th level spells added to his spell book, and the ability to cast 1 4th level spell per day (plus any bonii from high Int), while a monk might get a "bump" in unarmed damage. I have three of these "capstone feats" written out for every class, so players know what will be available; again, you can find them here if you look, or I'd be happy to repost if you wanted.
- Ron ^*^