Courier. Because... Well, did you read "The Postman" by David Brin? Awesome book. And that's story with the Divide in some cases feels like postman's story. So, couriers rule

I think that will win the courier. Because Lone Wanderer was born and lived in the shelter, and the courier lived on the heath and was ready for some minor problems. Courier captured the whole dam and could translate to his side very great powers. Courier excellent sniper, judging by the conversation with Boone. And a lone wanderer no experience, at least in the beginning of the game.

For me?? Lonewanderer he/she had a more personal story.. it was about finding your farther.. fulfilling your mothers wishes and dreams... saving the wasteland.. discover who you really are.. am I like my do gooder farther or am I a nasty slaver/raider bastard.. though I will admit the couriers storyline was interesting and it allowed us to play more as ourselves..

Courier: Has multiple faction armies, psychotic plane bombers, robots, companions, and a sky laser (if you have ARCHIMEDES).

The Lone Wanderer: Has an over-sized super mutant with a gatling-laser, the Brotherhood of Steel, the Experimental MIRV, Liberty Prime, and Dogmeat.

I say Dogmeat takes everybody out in the 3rd round.

The Lone Wanderer is an orphaned crybaby that lets him/herself get constantly used for others' quest and suffers from Bethesdas Must Save The World And There Is No Other Way syndrome.

The Courier on the other hand is one tough cookie, smart, resourceful and, depending on quest choices, can come to obtain a massive arsenal or doomsday weapons, army of followers and advanced technology. He's the damn Commander Shepard of the Fallout universe. Or a reincarnation of the original badass Vault Dweller. And the Courier can end up being de facto leader of New Vegas and the neighboring factions so yeah...Courier, his/her capabilities are just more impressive.