Needs an if $exists for the file on load event.
I only put enough file writes to demonstrate.
Eliminated set/global variables.
Eliminated _jibb alias.
Simplified while loops.
Changed !commands so !8ball* could
be used in on TEXT event filter.

on *:TEXT:!8ball*:#: {
  var %i 1,%x,%f $scriptdir8ball.txt
  if $1 == !8balladd { 
    if $nick(#,$nick,~&@) {
      if $2 {
        while $read(%f,%i) {
          if $2- == $v1 { %x = 1 }
          inc %i
        }
        if %x { msg # $+(,",$2-,",) has already been added. }
        else { write %f $2- | msg # $+(,",$2-,",) has been added to the reply list. }
      }
      else { msg # No Reply Was Stated. }
    }
    else { msg # access denied }
  }
  elseif $1 == !8balldel {
    if $nick(#,$nick,~&@) {
      if $2 {
        while $read(%f,%i) {
          if $2- == $v1 { %x = %i }
          inc %i
        }
        if %x { write -dl $+ %x %f | msg # $+(,",$2-,",) has been deleted. }
        else { msg # No Matching Entries Found }
      }
      else { msg # Please Enter Something To Delete. }
    }
    else { msg # access denied }
  }
  elseif $1 == !8ball {
    if $2 {
      if $me isin $2- {
        goto $r(1,4)
        :1 | msg # $nick if you dont stop picking on $me I'm gonna kick you in the nutz! | halt
        :2 | msg # I'm sorry $nick he's not here right now can I help you? | halt
        :3 | msg # Flattery will get you nowhere $nick $+ . | halt
        :4 | msg # $nick $+ , I'll lick you for 50 cents.
      }
      else { msg # $read(%f) }
    }
    else { msg # Please Enter A Question Silly }
  }
}
on *:LOAD: {
  echo -a JibbaNet 8ball v1.0 Loaded
  var %f $scriptdir8ball.txt
  if !$exists(%f) {
    echo -a Default Replies written to: %f
    %f = write %f
    %f Ask again later
    %f Not a chance
    %f As I see it, yes
    %f Cannot predict now
    %f Don't count on it
    %f It is certain
  }
}