if you can afford to start it right, TBSW is a company i've never heard bad about. Yes, you'll be getting lots of life. Lots of hitchikers. Some good, some bad. But the thing that always amazed me was people reporting corals on their rock. If you plan to order Stuff from TBSW, make sure to have coral quality lights. I've always feared the hichikers too much to do it, but i plan a 125 next year which will be TBSW all the way. As for the NEM...if you are scared to keep corals, or dont have coral ready lights...stay away from Nems. They are high demand on both lights and water quality/stability. Steer clearn of nems till your tank is about 1 yr old with good stable params.
PS...Yes a skimmer is a very important piece of equipment. Dont shrug and vow to get it later....get it before the tank gets wet.