Digital BW, The Print

I've been scanning via my 9000 at 16 bits but ultimately burning
files onto Gold CDs for storage at 8 bit. It saves much space. I'm
wondering if this is an error in judgment.
 I know from experience that, at times, something that you'd expect to
be a 'better methodology' may not be. For example, I've done detailed
testing with my 9000 scanning B&W negs at 1x/16 bit vs 16x/16 bit
superfine mode. (Which takes forever to scan)
  Truthfully, there was no discernible difference in the scans at any
magnification. I was stunned by this and called over a friend who is a
computer graphics whiz to evaluate the scans without telling him which
was which. In a nutshell, he could not tell the difference though he
felt the 1x scan showed a tad more contrast and (!) a tiny bit more
detail.
  Makes no sense, huh? Perhaps there'd be more of a difference with
color scans. (shrug)
  So, back to my question regarding file storage on CDs at 16 vs. 8 bit.
  Also, do most of you store in PSD or TIFF format?
   Thanks
   Ginny