I've played FNV multiple times, on two desktops and a laptop without experiencing crashes and without using NVAC or the 4GB patcher. I can't help but wonder if the myriad of "stabilizing" mods end up making the game more unstable in the long run. This is anecdotal, of course, but I'd recommend that you play the vanilla game first then apply bugfix/anti-crash mod as (and if) needed.

With that in mind, for QoL mods I recommend the mod that adds fast-travel points in different shops around Freeside, because you have to get past loading screens to go from one area of Freeside to the other, and that's annoying. When you reach Freeside, do a couple of missions in there and you'll understand what I'm saying -- after that, search and download that mod.

I also recommend the mod that adds borderlands-style damage indicators because it helps me know exactly how much damage I'm dealing.