Without spoiling me too much, can anyone tell me if there's any point to finishing Tinker Tom's missions, aside from a bit of cash and XP? The glowing deathclaw at one location is seriously discouraging me from pursuing this quest line. I snuck past him with a Stealth Boy to complete the mission w/o power armor, but is PA a necessity for completing the rest of them? Is there any point to completing them, in terms of the Railroad's mission or the main quest?

Yes it is worth it, without spoiling anything it is extremely worth doing 5 or 6 (can't remember which) missions. It will not further the story but will open other "things" up with Tom and the RR.

Lets just say Tinker Tom goes ballistic after a bit...I worry about him.

well worth it...game changer

He's a certified yoyo but he sends you to places far more interesting and challenging than Preston.

Those missions were some of my favorites I got to see alot more of the city and you will never know what you find along the way. Other that that I don't think it helps much.