In fact, pure melee character could become very awesome if choose wisely perk,special,item and drugs! Just see the post here(http://www.nma-fallout.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62531),In fact I have tested overwhelming all the mojave just wielding blade of the west!.
With all DLCs installed, there is a very powerfull melee/unarmed build for FNV. I had tested it at Hard Core and very hard mode.
1) SPECIAL
S 5->9 (IT+1, surgery+1, Reforced Spine+2 after completing OWB,9 Str is required for wielding the main melee wepon Blade of the West)
P 5->6...