When I have a compelling reason to buy into a company, rather than buy the stock outright I'll write puts. Then once I own it, I'll write calls.
Now it's an undeniable fact that you limit potential profits and sometimes you can find yourself committed to buying a stock under less than the best terms. But the odds of making vs. losing money are better.
Agree with you about buying options on an $8 stock. Better to bet the money in Vegas where at least they'll comp. your drinks.