My HVAC guy is calling for an 8" sleeve to be installed in my basement wall for an HRV.  Do you guys really cut 8" holes in those forms?  That's like half a block high and you're going to end up cutting all the way through at least one set of ties. 

A hole that size is not a problem. I have used a 5 gal bucket, they are strong and tapered for easy removal.

I just put in a corrugated tube through the floor underground to the outside. Look up the earth-tube thread.

Very interesting reading in that earth tube thread. If I were a bit more adventurous I might go that route since the hole is still open. After doing a bit more research I'm considering going with a whole house dehumidifier/ventilation air quality type system as opposed to the HRV. I realize that it would create positive air pressure in the house but I'm not convinced that's necessarily a bad thing, and I will be using beefed up (exhaust) ventilation in the kitchen/bath/laundry areas. It seems like some people with really tight ICF homes still have problems with humidity even with an HRV.