I build and fly lithium polymer (Lipoly) powered model planes. I use a "balancing" type lipoly charger that monitors the voltage level of each battery cell though balancing connectors while charging and is designed not to overcharge the battery "pack". It shuts off and chimes when charging reaches a preset total pack voltage. Charging lipoly packs with a charger that does not balance charge each cell can damage the pack can shorten the life of a pack when cell voltages get un-balanced. Over discharging, pulling too much current, fully charging and not using the pack for some time, all can damage and shorten the useful life of Lipoly battery packs. I am not savvy about special care and feeding of large LiFe batteries but suspect that they require similar charging equipment and user precautions for long life and safety of users.
BTW, I use a wattmeter/ammeter to measure current draw from battery packs under load ( full throttle)to assure that I am not exceeding the safe rating of electronic speed controls and motors. Your post indicates that you are pretty savvy about Lithium systems but there is a lot of ever changing technology on these subjects.