I run the LAF/IND feed with a Pro-94. I don't have the original antenna as it was damaged over a year ago...but the one I use now is about the same quality. I'm 3 miles north of IND and ZID, and I'm able to pick up both fairly well with that antenna. Granted, it'd be better with an external antenna, but that's just not in my budget right now. Quality now on the feeds is pretty good, but it's easy to tell by listening that it could be better. Depending on how far you are from the airports, you may be fine with that scanner and the original antenna. If you're more than 3 miles, I'd say probably not.
As for the battery situation, I think I remember changing out rechargables a couple times a day for a week or so last summer when I started up IND until I got an A/C adapter. It can be a hastle, but I was only workin 20 or so hours a week, and when I wasn't working, I was near the computer/scanner so it wasn't too bad. That only went on for a week, though. If I were still doing it today I don't know if I'd have the motivation to keep it all running.
Matt