I always felt the best general model for a society in the Mojave would be based off the Boomers....I prefer to opt for independent and imagine trying to set up a government similar to the Boomers across the Mojave.

The key ideas to learn from them are self-sufficiency and the ability to properly defend themselves from outside threats. These are the two things that enable the Boomers to have a successful society. Additionally, factors such as being a well-educated society also help.

The one thing I wouldn't adopt is the xenophobia to outside groups. When you have the NCR on one side, the Legion on the other - you would not want to invoke the full anger of either side (though both sides strength would be diminished following a Yes Man victory).

With Hoover Dam, Helios One and clean water - it is easy to see the Mojave as being self-sufficient.

In terms of having proper defenses: you already have the upgraded securitron army which puts up a reasonable defense. However, this can be augmented with other technologies you encounter (Archimedes, holograms, The Cloud, and several nuclear warheads). I don't think the Mojave could defeat the NCR, but they could make themselves defensible enough to make any encroachment unreasonable.

Does anyone else think the Boomers have possibly the best model for a civilisation in the Wasteland?

I agree for a general consensus. They are a self-sufficient society. Blowing everyone who comes near, even if they do no want to actually loot the air base, is a problem for me