http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/NiMH/Duracelll-NiMH-2050.jpg
shows that the first charge cycle results in a 1180mA-hr capacity,
while the third charge cycle increased it to 1360mA-hr or about 15%
increase. Is that what you mean by "slammed"?

No. It means hitting it hard with a high charge current.


I've noticed that my NiMH battery collection (flashlights, cameras,
GPS, radios, etc) spent much of their time in the charger simply
recovering from self discharge.

I've never had that problem -- as far as I can tell. I've had cells that sat
around for the better part of year deliver 20 or 30 flashes, with rapid
recycling.

Most of my cells have been close to rated capacity. In one case, a cell was
about 20% low, and MAHA replaced it.


http://www.mahaenergy.com/mh-c9000/
Nice charger/analyzer. I dunno the break-in and battery-forming
features. Stressing the battery doesn't seem like a good way to
increase battery life though it might produce rated capacity earlier.
However, it's a much better charger than the common consumer junk
chargers, and would probably be a good charger for the OP.

Agreed. Thomas sometimes sold the C9000 for ~ $40, but those days seem over. I
have two, so I don't have to wait if a lot of cells need charging.