Def get a blood. I got one as my second snake (first was a bull) several years ago and never looked back. I've only ever dealt with one that was "mean" and she calmed down within a few months after I purchased her to be a big friendly lap snake. I can't even remember the last time one of my bloods stuck at me or gave me any kind of an attitude. There are certainly individuals that will be nippy or aggressive, but you will see this with any species. As Tikall noted, bloodpythons.com is a good resource.
And that 8+ feet thing - probably not, I would say 5ft is average and I've seen very few too much over 6ft.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions..I love talking bloods :)