Don't worry so much about a perfect playthrough, just make it your playthrough. You only get one first play.
This is IMO the best advice there is
Agreed, go in blindly, recruit whatever companion, you can (and don't worry, if you don't get everyone, there is always a second playthrough) and don't get spoiled. I honestly was so surprised by some story developments, that I'm glad, I actually didn't look anything up.
There is honestly no right or wrong way to play the game. And as for difficulty: Start with Balanced and if you see, it is too hard or easy, just switch the difficulty level, you can do that mid game.
