2 more questions. Do you HAVE to take a perk in order to take the perk below it?
Like do you need to take the INT 7 perk in order to take the INT 8 perk, or can you skip it and go directly to the INT 8 perk, as ling as you have 8 INT obviously.
Second question is, when you level up you can either get a perk or a special point correct? Would it be better for early on to focus on getting your specials up to what you want in the end, so then you are free to get any perk you want later?
I assume you can pick any perk at or below your level without picking the previous ones. So you can pick Computer Hacking without picking the stupid V.A.N.S. if your intelligence is above 4.
I think a balanced approach is best - you will most likely find bobbleheads that increase your SPECIAL stats, so it's better to not go higher than 8 at the start at least.