1a (constant current) + Negative Delta V

is quite popular and accurate for fast charging and charge termination on NiCd/NiMH batteries.

Anyway, high quality charger is very important to enjoy long battery life.

Rechargeable batteries cost significantly less in the long run. Less than 1 cent per use even with half the rechargeable life of what manufactures' claim. That's 40-50x cheaper than similar alkaline Energizer/Duracell.

I stopped using primary (one-time use) AA/AAA batteries when low self-discharge NiMH became available. Traditional high capacity NiMH batteries self discharge at an alarming rate. Often a fully charged high capacity NiMH cell is nearly useless in just a few weeks. Low self-discharge NiMH holds charge much longer (a year or more) although with a smaller capacity, which is a compromise I gladly accept.