So, two fires in two days. And today's went much better than yesteday's (Thanks @emanate for helping rescue the one last night!).
I think I'm finally working out what makes them burn well.
Catching up on what I didn't learn in scouting, I guess. ;)
@emanate Part of the problem I'm realizing is that a lot of the standard campfire construction techniques (teepee, lean-to) rely on having friction with the ground to prop stuff up on. Not so effective with a flat metal base.
Basically I'm thinking more and more about just doing the earth firepit thing ASAP.
@indi I should probably look stuff up too, and I'd still be happy to build one for you sometime. :-)