I am torn. I enjoy the added fighting abilities of the partners, however, they are constantly in my way. Just wondering what others think about this: is the fact that partners are always in the way, in your face, outweighed by the extra fighting ability they give you in your exploration? I am new to Oblivion and would really like to get the most out of the game.

Thank you

Its quicker to do it myself lol. The AI is [censored].

I suggest having a few healing, shield, or fortify spells that you can cast on your companions so that if they do get in the way you can at least stop some of/reverse the damage.

And how does one acquire these companion mods? Can I have multiple?

You don't even need mods for it.
You can get a companion after the DB quest line,

Also after Mages Guild.

I've never managed to finish the mages guild. It always glitches out in skingrad for me.

My character fights undetected from long range. Followers give away her position and block her bow shots. So. . . she prefers solo.

She travels everywhere on a horse and often rides along with Legion Riders, so despite her preferences, she sometimes gets drawn into fights she would normally control from a distance. Between her detect life and horse's speed, her own mare is no problem, but with the Legion Riders she is often reduced to a supporting roll up close of either healing her ally or paralyzing her foe with touch spells. She has learned not to shoot her bow into a melee fight when allies are involved.

If she has to travel with one of the game followers, she tries to leave them outside the dungeon guarding her mare while clears the dungeon. Thankfully, many of the followers have a 'Wait Here!' option.

Parters tend to get in the way. I usually just like to go alone.