Would anyone happen to know what the purpose of organizing your load order in FOMM is for? Should larger mods be at the top of the list? And is there any way that having it not set up properly (if there is a proper way) could affect my frame rate?

The more mods you have, the more important the load order is. The very best thing you can do after you sort your load order in FOMM, is take the time to read the readme's that come with the mods. Most of them will tell you where to place the mods.

[edit to add] Keep this in mind, if you have 2 mods that change the same thing, the mod that is loaded next will win.

Rule of thumb:
- All .esms should be loaded first, starting with Fallout3.esm
- The last mods to be loaded (.esp files) should be Mart's Mutant Mod files, then the companion files, then any weather mod files and finally your merged patch.

As far as frame rate, if you download and use texture improving files, those will effect your frame rate.

I haven't gamed or modded on PC for about 9 months now due to PC problem (fixing ASAP) But I think? Fallout 3 Edit from ElminsterEU's http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=637 will be helpful in arranging your load order and there is a manual from Maiximus as well http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8629

If I'm wrong someone will let us know :shrug: