No, that's the standard spec.
Yes, leaving the PWM unconnected (with fan internal pullup) runs the fan at full speed. It's a simplicity and safety feature.
Instead of an LED driver, you can do it cheaper and easier with a 555 timer circuit - or if you want something ready made, get an ebay servo tested (555 based) and mod the frequency if necessary. Stick a transistor and base resistor on the output if you want open collector.
If you want to drive 8, then a PIC or Arduino would be easier, you could then use the tach signals to get feedback of actual rotation speeds (if you want to match them to prevent audible beating).