Hi Leo,
Probably aren't many people here that can answer your question directly but what you say raises a few questions and common suggestions to people starting out. First is (and it will help you with your decision making) is to take a course in operating a Steadicam. There are 2 day ones and 5/6 day ones. The shorter ones are more often than not ones geared towards using Flyers and small/mid-sized rigs. The longer courses use rigs that are intended to be used on "the set" or heavier camera setups. You will have a chance to talk to instructors and students who can answer a lot of your questions including the dozens of questions you haven't asked yet.
You ought to know what size of camera package you are going to be flying. Simply stating HD and/or 16mm isn't enough info. Flyers can fly MOST of these kind of setups but with film gear you have lenses, rail systems, follow focus units, other wireless devices, etc. $8000 isn't going to get you a new Flyer with batteries, charger, vest, case, etc. Glidecam I can't speak to that.
You can get used Flyers (not the LE) used for around $6,000 last time I checked but there usually aren't too many for sale. A used Flyer can hoist about 18 to 20 lbs (occasionally more on some units) before they top out. If you are going to be working on film do not overlook a follow focus. Unlikely you are going to be able to shoot "wide" all the time.
If you want more Glidecam specific comments in short order, I would look at the other stabilizer forum sites. There is at least one I have seen that has a lot of Glidecam users that will be able to help you out.
-Andrew