baca, the Alivio/STX shifter are the same more or less and as good quality as the others especially for a winter hack. Just a bit chunkier.
Sure i've seen some XT/XTR 8 speed pods in the for sale section, about 20 to 30 quids normally for some used and scratched ones
I might have some 8 speed SRT Gripshift, will delve in to the box, but just re-read and that not what you want.
(also have the STX / Alivio shifters)