Hi W.
I'm going to be characteristically, and irritatingly, positive in the face of PhD trials .. its the only way i get through ;-)
Money issues aside... i think reconstructing your discussion for a paper is the best thing you can do. I've done it and what was interesting and helpful was what i left out, what did i say to myself, oh no i can't put that in there, that doesn't read very well etc. You are critiquing your own work in a really brutal way.. its awful but i certainly went back to my thesis and looked at it differently.
in fact that's what I've been doing today, if its not "good enough" to put in a paper.. why not. change it, cut it .. etc.
This only applies of course if your sup is not a complete git who's just trying to wind you up ! mine's fab so it was all good.
as for being a wimp ... tell me i don't know what i'm talking about.. might make you feel better. :-)
Regards, Chuff