Lucas,
Since you have the adat cards and the Apogee WC Card I would suggest one of two interfaces both of which are used by many folks here very successfully.
1st
http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=54 this will give you 1 midi I/O
2nd
http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_hdsp_9652.php this will give you 2 Midi I/O
Knowing that these have midi capabilities within them might allow you to spend the money you would spend on the emagic unitor 8 and put that toward the interface. Unless you just have to have it.......
I personally use the RME interface and have never had a problem with it. Plus they are considered by many to have some of the sounding interfaces and best drivers in that price range on the market.
I've never used the presonus before but I did look into it before I bought my RME. Maybe some one who does will chime in......
As far as using the on board EQ and compression, these are very good sounding processors but with all the options for EQ and comps in the DAW's I think you will find yourself leaving these alone for the most part unless you wish to track with them. I do agree with you on the automation, I do all my fader automation on the d8b.
Hope this helps,
-Casey
*EDITED for spelling and grammar*