>I will build all of my own equipment except for the frames.
It's usually cheaper (unless you have access to free wood scraps or a lumber mill) to buy the boxes already made.
> I will never loan or borrow equipment from anyone.
I loan and borrow and get used equipment all the time...
> I will eventually build some/all of my frames but plan to buy all in the beginning and from time to time will possibly buy some even after I begin to build my own.
I don't build frames, but I do have a motivation to do so as I could build them foundationless and the width I want, 32mm. (1 1/4")
> 1. Build to the standard 8-frame dimensions and just try to keep the frames spaced properly.
That works fine.
> 2. Build to the standard 8-frame dimensions and shave frames to fit 9 properly spaced.
That works better, but is more work.
> 3. Build the proper size to fit 8 frames spaced properly and to heck with the standard as the only thing I will ever buy is frames.
I wouldn't. As already mentioned if you go with standard size (between 13 3/4" and 14") you'll be able to buy hive top feeders, excluders etc.
> 4. Build the proper size to fit 9 frames spaced properly again to heck with the standard.
Same as above.
I'd buy all the boxes (unless you have free lumber available) as it is cheaper, not to mention easier. Mann Lake has free shipping, last I heard... I'd stick with either the 14" wide ones (Mann Lake's size) or the 13 3/4" ones (Miller Bee Supply and Brushy Mt. size). I'd probably buy the standard frames and shave them down, unless you feel rambunctious, in which case i would build frames that are 1/8" shorter width for all parts.