Hi, I've been a little confused as to C-7 support of 700 series devices. Is the rf range better with these devices over older 500 series devices? Was a 700 series device ever specifically supported by the C-7? Of course, I understand the C-7, with a 700 series radio, can't support the 800 series LR devices beyond normal range. So is there actually any advantage to using devices with 500 series vs 700 series vs 800 series radios with the C-7, firmware 2.4.0.129...
The C5, C7 and C8/C8-Pro support Z-Wave 500/700/800. For each series change, battery life on battery powered devices has been improved to some extent, RF range has improvemed, and all can do S2 security.
Hubitat has built-in drivers that supports devices from all three Z-Wave series, so you don't need to worry about that.
You can use 800 series devices on the C5, C7, & C8, just LR is restricted to the C8/C8-Pro.
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I am sure I will get corrected, but I will try my best.
No, but there are features added in each series and the chipsets are improved. Generally speaking, 700 devices are better all around than 500, and 800 better than 700. This seems to be one case where devices improve over generations. Again, generally speaking.
Yes, of course. A C7 with a 700 series chipset can handle any Z-wave, except 800 series paired as LR devices. There are many 700 series devices that have native support all across the Hubitat range.
I am not sure if you are just using the wrong terminology, are confused, or didn't write this clearly.
An 800 series device can pair to any Z-wave Hubitat hub, in normal Meshed Mode. A 800 series device cannot be paired to any hub (currently at the time of this post) except an 800 series C8 in LR mode. Not sure that other Hubitat below the C8 will ever get LR mode, just a note for future readers just in case.
One of the incremental improvements between Z-wave generations Is there are now two pairing modes, Mesh, and LR starting with 800 series devices.
Maybe...
It all depends upon what features a device has, and how well an individual device behaves. My Zooz 500 series 4-in-1 sensors were miserable and terrible to use. People report the new 800 series are a completely better device, although I haven't personally purchased one. The 800 series devices supposedly are better on batteries, but I am not certain how that holds true on the various hubs vs these sensors.
I guess we would need to know more about what devices you are asking about, and what the root of your question is to really give a more specific answer.
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Thanks for the responses. What I was saying is that the C-7 can operate with 800 series devices, but not in LR mode.
However, I had thought 700 series devices should have better rf range than 500 series devices, but I can't tell if this is the case.
I'm not seeing 800 series devices having any better battery life than earlier, but it could be the case. At any rate, even 700 series devices are disappearing in favor of the 800 series devices, even in the same device line.
They do/should, RF range improvements is part of the spec for the 700 series.
Yup -they want us to buy more new stuff! 
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Again, what is the question exactly?
Would I buy a 500 series device instead of a 700? Nope. Same with 800, I would prefer to buy those over any earlier device. Unless you are getting these old devices dirt cheap, and can live with any quirks of a particular old device (they aren't getting updates at this point in their lifecycle) it isn't worth the downsides of the older devices.
I am not sure how to quantify battery life or range, other than the newer devices are theoretically and anecdotally better. As always, your exact environment, device mix, exact device models, and other conditions will greatly affect your outcome.
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neonturbo nailed it.
The range and battery improvements with each series bump are going to very much be YMMV due to environment and a slew of other unique reasons... It may not be enough to be noticeable for some devices, placements, and environments, and it may be noticebaly better in others. It definitely shouldn't be worse.
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