I have just got to nipton and decided pretty much on the spot that the Legion aren't for me, so I cleaned them out in front of the town hall. I had to stop just before getting to the slaves last night because I had to be up for work today. The NCR seem like alright people so far, and according to Boxcar (the powder ganger with broken legs near the start of Nipton) I am the Powder Gangers personal Reaper. That made me chuckle.
Taking my time as I go, exploring every cave and killing plenty of wildlife.
So, to answer your question, too early to tell...