You may be better off searching for an IC designed for your type of battery supply, with the features you desire, if you haven't done so already. There should be quite a few LiFePo4 controllers available.
. . . when firewalking! I was hoping for a discreet component learning experience.
But if it is the best way I guess I should do as you say . . .
Best is often a nebulous adjective. I can appreciate the experience of learning while you solve a circuit problem, with discrete components or otherwise. I would advise, though, that you develop an organized approach. Make a list of what you have and what you need: supply and load voltages, maximum current, power dissipation, recharge requirements, any features, etc. Even size - a discrete solution may at some point exceed the space that you're willing to devote to the finished project. Even if you don't use a dedicated IC, you could study the chip docs to see how a certain function is achieved and transfer that knowledge to your own circuit.
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They're usually damned complicated.
Cheap Chargers for Rechargeable AA/ AAA/ 18650 Batteries at Dealextreme - DX
Maybe so, but it looks to me (or anyone that reads it) like the vast majority of this thread has been about taking the energy out, not putting it in.
Thanks for the advice sofaspud. Studying the chip datasheets is a good idea and I've downloaded some relevant looking articles, so at some point in the next few weeks I will have to feel brainy and sit down to see what I can see.
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