Most people will find this stupid and boring but whatever. I'm traveling from Modoc and it's a long way, I have too much time and since these boards are full of complaints and things people want changing (not that it's a bad thing, mind you), I'll talk about something more positive.
I like scavangers. First met them pre-wipe (I'm new so experienced only one wipe so far) in a strange encounter. Made a new character, went to collect some electronic parts in the Themepark and fell in a random encounter with them. I was level 1 or 2 so didn't expect to survive. Started running away...and no one came after me. I usually play the game high so I had no idea what to make of it. After a few seconds, I decided it was probably a bug and went to look. So I was standing there, waving my gun around and no one reacted. Went to one bloke and clicked on him. No idea why, I probably found it amusing to poke him. And he said: ''we don't get many visitors here'' or something along those lines. Further attempts at communication made him say: ''hello'' and something else, I can't remember anymore.
Now...this is a wasteland. 95% of players and 100% of NPCs (not counting these guys) are violent from the moment they lay their eyes on you and someone not being hostile and even being friendly is refreshing and awesome awesome. Don't know who thought making some nice NPCs would be a good idea but kudos to him.
Since then, we're friends, Scavangers and I. I never killed a single one and I hope I'll never have to. I always take those few seconds and have a chat with them, however basic it is.
So there. Random NPCs, they don't drop good loot, they don't give a ton of xp (probably) but I think they're awesome. Most people I've met ingame so far have no concept of something being cool and nice if it has no immediate value to them so I suppose this topic is not for you. Kindda think about it, I'm not sure who it's for. I may just be weird like that. Still, it's something I wanted to share.
S