I've heard ( from friends mostly ) that the wild wasteland trait actually plays a role in whether or not you can acquire the gauss rifle ( apparently acquirable with it off ) and the alien blaster ( apparently acquirable with it on ).

Anyone know for sure whether or not it's just for kicks + giggles, or does it do more than that?

Yes, certain weapons are only obtainable with Wild Wasteland selected. I don't know about ones that will only be available without it selected, though.

Would you be kind enough to post a link where they actually talk about it? Also, can anyone else confirm?