Zoot;
You can combine the nichrome in parallel strands to spread the load rather than a real short hunk to get the amps you want.
example:
one length draws 2 amps.
split it in half and parallel them and it will draw 4 amps.
Indeed the nichrome will last much longer and be safer if you keep it from glowing.
Experimenting should yield a useful arrangement to dump a wide range of current without creating a load that glows like a light bulb.
Experimenting will give you knowledge you will not likely forget so that is often the best way to figure stuff out.
Be sure you size the dump load so it can dissipate the maximum amount of amps your system can supply plus a little headroom. It is usually not good to run things too close to the limits.
Connecting terminals to nichrome can be problematic. Solder is out and crimp connectors are marginal. The last heater i dismantled used spot welded male spade connectors and some cool male spade connectors with a pinch bolt setup to hold the wire. I have seen some tricks connecting them but cannot actually describe them.
Good luck with it.
Cheers.
TomW