I would recommend you use some service that allows plugins if it's "vanilla"

The reason for being is because your server will be more stable by adding non-gameplay effecting things and admin tools. Maybe also locking chests if it's not going to be PVP.

Vanilla is good but you should probably make a whitelist and only invite players that you can trust, because in vanilla there is no grief prevention or anything

I actually started to develop an adventure server ever since the first snapshots.

I essentially "built" a system similar to plugins using redstone and the new server commands on the command blocks.

So far, my server turns you into a ghost when your dead, allows players to revive at towns, and there's even a daily killing mission that rewards gold.

Sadly, the entire system itself seems to lag players here and there, but it's an interesting feature to use until I can replace most of the redstone with server plugins.

The thing about the spigot, it's takes away 1.8. blocks, items, and maybe some more stuff. Other than that it keeps certain things.

You don't need Bukkit to run plugins. Just go to spigotmc.org and download their jar file. It runs better than Bukkit (same creators) and is updated to 1.8 right now. I run a semi-vanilla server using Spigot so I know it works.

Nah make it Towny

It is fun, if you like building. Or exploring.

Would you actually like a plain vanilla server on 1.8?

Yes