I just realized how awesome the thorn is. A low level player can go there and become a badass relatively easily. It pays good caps, and can allow you to earn several challenge perks.
->Abominable
->Animal control
->Beautiful Beatdown
->Bug Stomper
->Lord Death
->Tough Guy
I am definitely not going to ignore this place on my next run. Good to make a gladiator/raider/psycho build.