Need some clarity: Working in 16 bid mode

[Ecphotographer]

I always edit my files in 16bit mode to preserve the color fidelity of my work or if I introduced a gradient into the image. I have a lot of ram and storage space so these aren't an issue for me. The only time I step down the color mode is to explore creative options (e.g. filters and plugins that only work in 8 bit mode) or if I am having a problem printing. Recently though, I am wondering if my file sizes are too big for LR mobile cloud sync to handle. (1GB and up)

1) If I don't use those creative options, should I save my files in 8 bit mode to produce a smaller file size?

2) Does switching modes produce a loss of quality if you primarily use adjustment layers, smart objects and embedded raws? For example, should I be saving my file in 8bit mode, but then return to 16 bit when I need to re-edit my color corrections? I.E. Does swamping color modes permanently destroy info? 
Thanks
Eric

[Chuck Uebele · Accepted solution]

If you go down to 8bit, then you've lost all that info and going back to 16 bit will not improve/restore the image to its prior state.