[AZLiberty]

Maybe MTG and Boebert and others were told to vote in favor of McCarthy because they wanted the Great Eight to be a contrast to the Gang of Eight. Think mirror.

I'm guessing there was an ordered list of Republicans, depending on their risk of not being re-elected if they voted MAGA. The people at lowest risk were chosen to make D + MAGA > RINO. Since the Dems voted as a bloc, only a few MAGA votes were necessary. People like Lauren Bobert who were elected in 2022 by a thin margin were spared.

[Melian]

Re Why only 8:

Your analysis makes perfect sense. ThankQ!