Well, I never said it was perfect. Life certainly isn't, either. :P

Yes both FFVIII and FFIX are the best in the series.

Gameplaywise it's not as traditional and it's weird. But story wise FF7 can't even compare.

THIS a thousand times over.  Each FF game is so very different from each other.  But if you want advice from a FF veteran with an open mind then you should definitely get it. 

Anyone that is easily influenced by preconceived notions of what a FF game should be tend not to like FF games with stigma thrown at them on the internet and thus fall into said pit fall.  If you are looking to have fun with the series and are open minded, FF8 is one you should give a chance.  And you may very well end up loving the game.

And BTW the soundtrack is legendary.

FF8 is definitely worth playing and one of the best FF games in the series.

It's my favorite in the series, so I say absolutely. Each entry in FF requires an open mind, and unfortunately most of the critical fanbase doesn't have one.

Yes, it's worth playing.

Definitely worth playing. Not my favourite in the series, but I still rate it quite high.

Anyone who says no is a hater who is just going with what everyone else says.

That said, it's a very different Final Fantasy. I would recommend VI or V instead since they would be more familiar.