I was considering starting with 9 intelligence so I can reach highest level possible and 9 charisma for all of the speech checks, any thoughts welcome

I'm also considering a 9 Int, I would suggest at least a 4 in AGI so you can lockpick.

There are a lot of low-stat perks that are VERY useful to get, though. Like, I was ~going~ to go with a 1 STR since I do not melee and I figured I could struggle with lower carrying capacity (or use my pack mu---er, companions). But, now I hear that I need a 3 STR to craft armor mods... I want armor mods... so now I have to get a 3 STR (or 2 and find the bobblehead, or 1 and spend perk points to raise STR before buying the Armorer perk when I'm ready to make armor mods down the road).

AGI has sneak, which can be very very handy, and PER has lockpicking. END is still my dump stat since I think I can work around all the things END perks ~help~ me with. Luck is also one I think I can down-play since I prefer predictable over random bonuses. So with a 3 STR (Armorer), 4 PER (lockpick, I think), 1 END and LUCK, 3 AGI for sneak.... that leaves 16 points for INT and CHA. So you could do 8 / 8, still.

Of course you could always start 9 INT and 9 CHA and then use perk points to boost up the other stats whenever you feel the need (if you don't want to make armor mods right away --- or ever, relying on drops and purchases --- then you can leave STR at 1, eg).

I torn between hoping that CHA 9 and INT 9 unlock a ~ton~ of dialog options.... and hoping that they ~don't~.... since if they DO then I'll feel pretty obligated to get them that high ASAP.

Lockpicking is based on Perception in this game.

I did not read many preview articles, so forgive this if its a noob question: Theres magazines/bubbleheads ingame that increase one determined atribute?

I ask this because it seems a waste to start with 9 Int, for example, if ingame you will find 4 or more Int magazines...

I believe all magazines are now used for additional perks. And bobbleheads are believed to raise your SPECIAL stats by one

That's my approach as well. I won't have any stats over 8 to begin with.