Imagine ms flight simulator without the mods - modding is an inherent right of freedom of expression (sharing mods is generally legal with rare exceptions if done right). Under US copyright law if a software vendor unduly restricts the user rights of expression in the ELUA, the vendor looses its copyright protection and abusive EULA subsection are unenforceable. Remember the issues surrounding the PC Clone? SCOTUS and other courts have clearly defined the status of digital clones in regard to hardware and software. So much better in fact that I believe that under the hood the mod is approaching the clone: if you change enough of the binary it becomes a freestanding work of its own right - the essence of digital copyright issues: which is why 3x is running scared.
I generally agree with you, the mod is much better.
