>>724209651
>NCR is devoid of intellectual justification.

I think on its surface NCR is the obvious choice in many ways analogous with present day America. A flawed, corrupt; but still generally functional republic. But if you're paying attention you start to realize that the NCR is an empire that's pushed beyond the limits of what its capable of (pic related, one of my favorite characters in the game). That they lack the capacity to really support the Mojave and their interest in the area is almost entirely in the Hoover dam and the power generation it could provide for them back in California. If you're willing to sacrifice New Vegas and the Mojave as a vassal state for the greater glory of the NCR in the hopes that they'll be able to rebuild America then I can see the NCR being a justifiable choice. But you're sacrificing the good of the Mojave if you take that path.