For 8.0 am i hoping for stuff, that i allready hoped for 7.0.

- give us new companion.
At the end of EW had everyone of the scions his own wishes, goals, job to do (Ysthola, write the damit book).
It feels time, to be separated from them and find a new group to help. The scions could than showing up as guest in later Events for nice fan service. Like it is with the pokemon special manga. Where every region has his own cast and earlier charas are showing up from time to time.

Maybe, the WoL could become the mentor of a new person.

- story for 7.0 do i hope for a small scale problem and back to the roots (be a normal adventures). This "games of thrones" setting fit this idea allready. I expect it to be some kind of treasure hunt (was it allready stated, what kind of trials this will be?). With the warmonger as the final boss (or person to lead to the boss).
I hope for a story Twist, that the lion girl is betraying us and would be the person whe had to stop. But i dont think, that this will happen.
7.x will probably involving kingdom manangement, similary to SB.
But after that? Hard to say.
Whe have a whole new continent, where whe could have new areas. Or, whe could go to the dragon continent. Where maybe dragon hunters are doing problems (sequel to HW, some evil Dragoons take revenge).

- maybe nerv the WoL storywise, by destroying Azems crystall. Its a nice item to explain, where the raid people are coming. But it looks like to give the WoL to much power.
Maybe, lets his light crystall be destroyed again (now, that Hydaelin is vanished).
By removing some of his power again, is it easier, to create enemies, who are a challenge and at the same time not to powerfull.