in new vegas used to play a high chr, mostly helpless sweet talker / rich ammo buyer who depended on his follower to get rid of enemies and that usually worked out remarkably well.

in fo4, that is... not the case. i'd still kinda like to try something like that, so... anyone have information on how npcs respond to special attributes and weapon statistics? does perception increase their accuracy? does agility do something? luck? how about the more obscure weapon statistics like recoil?

No idea, but if you give them big guns they shoot lots of stuff. Just give them the same style they are currently using

Find Strong or Curie and give em a super sledge. Prepare to see awesome

In my experience the Inspirational perks make a world of difference. Then, just focus on giving them really good equipment. I gave Hancock an explosive Combat Shotgun and he wrecked house with it.

(also, it may be that NPCs have their own ranks of Gunslinger/Commando/Rifleman, and do more damage with certain weapon types. I can't confirm that though, but the safe bet is to give them the same class of weapons they use by default)