Planer1,
You are in good shape, you are getting more than 80% of rating.
Yeas, it can vary that much between charges.
There are a lot of variables in the process.

Additionally, I like to discharge to .9 volts.

The multiple cycles is a substitution for a forming charge.
This is a C/10 charge for about 16 hours.
This must be done with a non-peaking charger.
A wal-wart is a good choice for this.
This is known more as a necessity with NiMh than NiCd.
However, their chemistry and procedures are much the same.

Myself, I prefer NiCd over NiMh.
The reason is the NiMh will self discharge at a faster rate than NiCd.
I've heard about 5% per day. 20 days = dead.
This then necessitates the forming charge to get things running properly again.
Just to much work and hassle for me.

There is a Battery forum here on RCU, lots of good info.
Check it out.

Good Luck,
KW_Counter