Every time I flash a new nightly, I also flash gapps right afterwards. I don't wipe cache, data, or dalvik cache. I'm not sure if I'd have any benefits if I did wipe (although I wouldn't want to wipe data).
As far as apps, the main ones I use are:
JuiceDefender (set to disable data on screen off, unless it's transferring 10k for every 15 seconds)
Handcent SMS
Friendcaster (Facebook replacement that doesn't hog the battery)
Friendcaster Chat (FB Messenger replacement)
Rocket Player (a music player)
Instagram
CPU Spy
Quick Profiles (with settings for work, vibrate, and normal)
Photo Editor
QuickPic
Astro File Manager
I have others but I don't really use them much.
I also have my brightness set to auto with the following levels:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/487189_10151052714433324_292989964_n.jpg
The battery life isn't terrific yet but it's not god awful.
Also, I'm a New York Rangers fan. But Claude Giroux is one of my favorite players. :hail: