For 8,8 v 10 I would definitely say yes, surrender if your looking to minimize variance. As mentioned its already close to a coin flip for a non-counter (TC +1).
Personally I would never surrender 8,8 v A even in H17. Not that familiar with RA indices, so others might be able to provide more detail. The book I have for hi-lo does not even list an indice for v A (assuming S17), which means its not ever worth considering no matter the count. Not sure if it would be different for H17.
Again, as I mentioned, when you think about, have an 8 when the dealer has an A and you know he doesn't have a 10 (after dealer peak) is not a bad situation as at all.
Sometimes I'm risk averse myself, I have been known to outright stand on 8,8 v dealer 10 with a big bet out (if surrender is not available).