base implementation on java 8 - so as, for example not to end up with 3 ...

...Optional classes (java.util, net.hamnaberg.funclite, com.google.common.base)

This is a breaking change. I am not exactly sure how you would want to deal with this: if it should be a new artifactId (such that the regular json-collection can go on living its own life in parallel), or an increase of the version number to 4.0 (and breaking compatibility).

Anyways, you can first have a look at it and give some feedback whether you are interested in having a java 8 version or not.