So, I'd like to give it a shot one more time, but I'm totally oblivious as to what worthwhile mods have been released in months. Is there a list with essential/critica/whatevs mods floating around?

Well there really isn't such a thing as an "essential" mod, different people will have different opinions in that regard.

Good places to start are the top 100 mods on the nexus site and http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1056342-mezs-gameplay-and-immersion-mod-list/page__hl__Mez%20list

You can also take a look at my online http://amito.freehostia.com/Fallout/FO-mods.htm, which is part of my FO3 Journal.

Only mod i consider essential is Darnified UI, the rest changes. Weapon Mod Kits i usually use, and Mart's Mutant Mod too. And i doubt i'll play without FWE anymore either