Another testcase with same external signs, same layout symptoms: Clickable/hoverable area of block anchors in IE 8 beta 2 from Bruno Fassino
Another testcase with same description, external signs and layout symptoms: IE 8 pre-RC1: problem with hover on a block link from Bruno Fassino
This bug has been reported at connect's IE beta feedback as bug 365927
Update: this bug has been FIXED in Internet Explorer 8 final release build 6001.18702 released on March 19th 2009. Otherwise, Internet Explorer 8 final release build 6001.18702 PASSES this specific and particular testcase.