The main plot is appearing to be the standard New Vegas rp.. which is ok, but I would have preferred some diversity, anyway.. Yes, the main plot idea so far seems to be dictation on who will run the Strip, though I would and will vouch for side-plots, adventures, and anything outside of Strip Conquest main plot. As for the opening, I don't want a long ass boring trek, but I don't want to start right outside the city either. A trek can be long, without boring. It is all about how you fill it out and write it as a story. 

As for the "Merc or Open" deal. I will stand by my original opinion. I think it should be open, because if we DO have Player Tension and Conflict, so what? Too many rps try to avoid that, and it makes it a boring, I am not saying I want conflict between someone who can write, and some guy who gets pissed OOC and starts godmodding IC because he dislikes the conflict. I mean if Conflict arises, it has to be taken as much a story item as anything else, and must continue to be well-written to the limit of the writers. ^^