A guard actually commented on my gear.
I was in Whiterun just standing there, and a guard came by and said to me,
"I'd judge that by your armor you're an Imperial scout. If so, well met."
This means so much to me

ya happens alot

Yes cooler then cool indeed. Guards and other npcs are incredible in their illusion of being so lifelike and reactive to the player and the environment. Companions are also very nice and alot of times i have been amazed how well they fight in tandem with me against an opponent as they place the finishing move after i just delievered a near death hit to our foe. Kind of reminds me of some old martial arts movie where the good guys team up to fight the main villain.