Wow! You've got lots of questions. You might want to stick you head in the door at: www.ezonemag.com and get registered in their discussion group. (All Electric forum) Check the "FAQ" column.
Chargers, I use a FMA Direct - Super Nova. Works great. It is DC only. If you want to use in on the bench you need to get a power supply of about 12v@12amp capacity or greater. You can make one cheap by modifying a PC power supply, plenty of threads on how to do that, and you can do it for anywhere from $0 to <$50. You might also want to check out a Dymond Super Turbo charger, again DC only. Both of the above chargers will handle large cell packs. Some people use a Triton Charger, a good charger, but from what I have read in the threads their manual leaves a little to be desired, a lot of the threads clear that up though. I sent you a PM for a good place to get clear info, and answer all your questions, not to far away from you.