I'm starting to mod FO3 for the first time and I've got a few questions I was hoping the community could help me with.

I have previous experience with modding TES games (Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim) so I'm familiar with modding Bethesda games.

1. Any suggested settings for a first time user of FWE? I'd like my game to be fun but not unforgiving.

2. I've read about a lot of people preferring the FO3Edit Merged Patch over the Bashed Patch. Is there any consensus as to which one is better?

3. Which is more reliable for use with FO3, LOOT or BOSS?

4. Recommended Mod Manager for FO3 (I've used Mash/Bash for Morrowind/Oblivion and MO for Skyrim)?