Hypothetically, if I wanted to give myself the option of adding actual honest-to-goodness tape as a step in my recording chain in the form of a reel-to-reel unit, does anybody have an opinion or experience on a better implementation?
 
1 - Use an 8 track unit and go direct to tape then to digital.
2 - Record digitally as normal and then mix down to a stereo 2 track tape.
 
Currently, I use the Waves Eddie Kramer Tape machine on my drum buss which is the equivalent of option 2.

http://www.fabfilter.com/products/saturn-multiband-distortion-saturation-plug-in
 

Yes, I know and I suspect I will get a lot of those suggestions but I am very happy with my Waves Kramer Tubes, Tapes and Transistors so, no more plugins to add noise, distortion, wow and flutter, etc.

If I had an option to do so, I guess I'd record everything that can be recorded directly to tape and bounce whatever else (Virtual Instruments) before re-importing it.
 
But then, as I'm easily carried away when I start feeling inspired, I'd probably drop the idea and record directly in Logic. Though, if needed, I do have the option to have a stereo bounce printed to tape.
 
I absolutely love Kramer Tape too, by the way. I keep telling myself that I need to try and set it on an input channel so I can do some tests and record through it...

Yea, if I was using my old 8 track reel to reel I'd probably record to it for better control during recording.  But that is a lot of trouble getting a good rhythm track and usually involves a lot of run troughs and erasing.  If the band was tight and well-rehearsed I'd think about it.
 
An easier solution is to mix your digital tracks out to a nice two-track.  You'd get much of the analog effect (tho you don't have control over the saturation of specific tracks), I would think.  I still need to track down a stereo head for my 1/4 inch revox.  And get it serviced.  And there is the analog rub.  You have to spend money and/or time to keep it sounding worthwhile.
 
Personally, I find having a nice analog front end captures most of the analog goodness (tho not tape saturation, natch) without most of the troubles of running a temperamental, complex machine.  Most of the big studios have ditched their tape machines for that reason - and use digital through high-end analog front and mixing.  Still, there is something incredibly smooth and warm (but not fuzzy) about tape. 
 
@

I use my Tascam 3440 tape machine. I record everything in Sonar and then make a stereo mix to tape. The tape is then played back into Sonar and recorded as the final mix for burning to media. I'm sure it is a downgrade to the audio quality, but I love the result.
 
I bought the Waves J-37 and love what it does but it's just not the same sound at the end.

forget those wimpy plugins... THIS is what you need!!!!

Just got it home.  A Tascam 42B:

Nice!

i'm done with tape.
 
no more tape.