Quick question about NG+

Hello! I am about to do my 2nd playthrough on NG+ to get the better ending, but I wanted to get confirmation before doing so because I've seen conflicting information.

I do NOT need to recruit everyone again. Correct? I have all the characters. I only messed up because I didn't get 119 BEFORE the quest where "that" scene happens.

I can just SPEED through this, right? No bullshit? Power walk through the game and get the better ending easy?