This message irks me in a couple of ways.

First, to claim that 5.8 is an "artificial" dependency based on your external view of it is silly. You don't know why that 5.8 is there, unless there's something you didn't post.

Second, you say that "I've commented out the use 5.008 and it passes tests", as if that is proof that 5.008 is not necessary. It might be, it might not be.

Why don't you email Damian and ask him? Explain your situation and ask his opinion. Explain your observations and ask for clarification.