I agree, we should not limit size to 8 bases, I suggest put limit to 255 as it fit nicely in 1 Byte for better storage.
One problem is that UI do not have enough space for them, but this could be done by dropping support for original 320x200 resolution.
I think we should make base render resolution to 4k, with it we well be able to easy fit 16x255 base miniature sprites.
Solution infinite base sizes could be that w simply split base in 6x6 parts, and each will be separate base that can be connected to each other.
With this your very big base could be visible on globe as separate parts, this would allow better navigation between parts of it. As base is infinite it could cover half of globe. One problem it have is that globe is not flat surface (see cartography projections), we will have problem with mapping of 2d infinite surface of base interior with surface of sphere. This could be solved by dropping 2d render engine in base and use full 3d base display that could have better mapping to globe.
As final note we could drop this whole 8bit graphic, do any one still have cards that support this display mode?? Why limit self to 255 colors if you display can show billions?
btw what day is today?