Stealth, deception, and thievery are also legitimate ways to succeed. I sense that some of my readers are cringing right now. Yes, it is possible to get ahead in this game through decidedly immoral means. Stealing is actually a relatively minor crime, since no one in the wastelands really 'owns' much anymore, and survival takes precedence over possession. There are approaches to the game with far more serious repercussions.
Violence can make quick work of troublesome people.
I wanted citizenship there, but I couldn't pass the standard exam. Gecko is inhabited by 'ghouls', survivors from the pre-War era who have been horribly burned and mutated. The catch was that I needed a part from Vault City. So I traipsed on back to see the First Citizen and explained the situation. Eventually I discovered a peaceful solution.