OK, I don't like Fords.Schurkey, if you don't like Fords, just say it. The 8.8" is a perfectly good option, and is comparable in weight to a 10 bolt while being about as strong as a 12 bolt.
That said, not every part of every Ford needs to be immediately crushed. I have some respect for the Nine Inch, and I'll admit to jealousy over their aftermarket support.
The issue is that I don't even begin to understand why someone would custom-build a Nine Inch, or play games with an 8.8", when a carefully-selected Treasure Yard 9.5" semi-float drops right in to this vehicle like it was made to do so; has bigger/better brakes; and CAREFULLY SELECTED, may even have an acceptable gear ratio, leaving only the locking differential, some axle seals, and brake repair items as additional required parts.
I suggest a re-ordering, (based on typical "stock" parts) and with some additions: 10.5" Full Float = Dana 70 > Dana 60 = 9.5" Semi-float > Mopar 9 1/4 > Ford 9" = Mopar 8 3/4 = Ford 8.8 > Car 12 bolt > 8.5" 10 Bolt = Truck 8 7/8 12-bolt = Dana 44 > any 8.2" or smaller ring gear axle.Here's the rankings as I see them. Dana 60 (500 lbs) > 14 bolt FF (400 lbs) > 9" (400 lbs) > 14 bolt SF (400 lbs) > 12 bolt (230 lbs) = 8.8" (200 lbs) > 10 bolt (200 lbs)
Aftermarket parts, OEM axle shaft variations (spline count, for example) could change the order I've presented.
I don't think the weights you have listed are accurate. But I can't find axle weights, so I have no evidence.
Randy (RIP) of Randy's Ring and Pinion says the 8.8 is equal to, or better than the GM "12-bolt" 8 7/8 ring-gear axle, due to larger axle shafts.
The 8.5" ring gear "10 bolt" is about the same strength as a Dana 44. (I say it's a fine small-block passenger-car axle, but not much of a truck axle. These, and anything smaller, have no damn business on a modern full-size truck.
"12-bolt" 8 7/8 ring gear axles were stronger in cars than in trucks due to the larger pinion diameter in the car axles. The truck 12-bolt got the same weak pinion diameter as the old 8.2" passenger car axle. OTOH, the car axle tubes were thinner than the truck tubes. (Torque, vs. load-carrying)