Nice build.
For time crunch, perhaps go for an even lower level build that does not require special items.
S 6
P 1?
E 6
C 10
I 10
A 6
L 1 (Does this affect getting better companions?)
Traits: Good Natured, anything but Loner. Possibly Skilled to jack speech faster since this build doesn't level much (just enough for Speech 125 or 240 and some OD).
Tags: Speech, Outdoorsman (just to make it easier at first), anything - maybe a weapon, but this build is just to get companions
Perks: anything; this build is not intended to get to a high enough level to get the good ones
Support Perks: Magnetic Personality, Speaker, optional Quick Learner (with Science 50- use skill books to save on points you need for Speech), whatever else.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Use a "real alt" to set up tents by where the companions are available, then start making these cheap alts. Level them until they get the support perks and speech 125 or 240.
Then grab the companions, arm them, set them up.
Repeat (this is about quantity not quality)
For SG get grenade launcher, Pancor with flechette/slug, P90c with AP ammo, or FN FAL HPFA.
I don't know if BG companions are available, but M60s have shitty ammo compared to LSW. Perhaps Avenger or Rocket Launcher.
Energy? Anything I guess, perhaps invest in Gatling Laser (25k caps?).
New players may not have the resources to deck out the companions with fancy gear, so probably go with Grenade Launchers and Assault Rifles with AP ammo.
---------------------------------------------------------
Note: I am assuming Party Points: CH 10 = 100, MagPers 50, Good Natured 50, Speech 125 or 240 = 40/80PP for 240/280 total PP = 3 or 4 Companions @ 70 PP each.
Speech 30 gives you 10PP, which would give 210 = 3 followers, but you need Speech 100 to get MagPers to make that work. Speaker is 125 Speech.
At 125 speech you get 40PP... hmmm, it seems that you have to gain a lot of levels to raise Speech for that 1 extra companion, so maybe stop at 125.
You can also simplify by using mentats and beer for +3 CHA. This gives 3 SPECIAL points to reallocate. Maybe Small Frame for 1 more point. Bruiser gives 3, but wrecks your AP. I'm suggesting the lower CHA in case you want to try giving this alt some fighting ability.
With the low end 125 speech with Tag on Speech, 10 Int, etc. it would take a bit over an hour to make and level 4-5 of these alts and deploy 12-15 Companions (there are often gobs of them at the "Egg" in SF). Maybe 2 hours, max. 3+ if you didn't have another alt set up everything ahead of time (gear, tents, etc.)
Just make sure to feed the companions to keep up morale.
Comments? What did I miss?