There I am trying to progress in the game, two or three skills (one combat) at 50 and these damned hit squads turn up and promptly convert me into gecko food. They seem rather overpowered for where I am in the game and I read on the wiki that at certain levels they are bugged with equipment above what it should be. True or not? Either way, is it just me or is there something to this? Unless you have a mod or a buinch of DLC toys, they're too much work....

AVE

Theres no shame in running away. Ive done this many times.

That's what a poor reputation with the Legion warrants, glitched weaponry aside, unfortunately. In that case, just keep a minimum of two companions with you or, even better, obtain the NCR Emergency Radio for immediate backup.