Wasn't happy with vanilla game, friend has recommended I try Alternative Start + Requiem. Do you guys have any other mods I should try in conjunction?

I played about 80 hours of Vanilla Skyrim.

Then I got the Special Edition for free and tried to play it again. Realised how uninviting the intro and skill trees are and remembered that I cannot be bothered to do it all again.

A friend I trust with game recommendations said he felt the same but Requiem has caused him to put 1200 hours in to the game. He also suggested to use the Alternative start mod to skip the slow start.

Seeing as I'm going to install the original Skyrim back to base - I figured I might as well get some other mods that would be good to use along side these. Only I've been out of the scene so long, I'd like you guys suggestions.