OnlyTheAfflicted116

I have a couple questions my friend :). Can I use B.A.E. to extract the ba2 files(fallout 4 version of bsas) before I install the mods? Or is BSAOpt required in order to actually merge mods. Ive been trying to use the merge plugins tool for almost a month now and It's just been hell. I can get a merged esp but all the guns are invisible, sounds are gone, and in general assets just don't show up in game. I want to merge mods. Literally. I have been at the 255 plugin limit for awhile now. Really hope someone can give me some advice! Does the merge plugins tool actually merge mods if they are installed manually? Or is there a mod organizer framework that is required?