A "1.8" iteration usually implies a modded or forked version of the original code, often by community members who wanted more safety features. Key improvements typically found in these later iterations included:

For collectors, retro gamers, and Wii enthusiasts, mastering WAD Manager 1.8 is a rite of passage. So grab your SD card, load your WADs into the folder, and give your old Wii a new lease on life.

: Crucial operating system patches required to run advanced homebrew utilities. Key Features of WAD Manager 1.8

The application itself is not illegal. WAD Manager is a legitimate utility tool designed to manage files, much like any other software installation tool.