There is no doubt that the methodology used by the IL-2 developers to ensure quality and compatibility has contributed to their success. We are in complete agreement there!

My perspective is that of a dedicated model and texture-maker, so it is understandable that I view modding from a different viewpoint. The success of the Red Orchestra mod team is directly attributable to the UT2K4 developers providing ACCESS to their game system through a series of comprehensive editors and SDK. That is how a sci-fi shooter was morphed into a respectable Russian front quasi-sim. Such a process is not possible with the IL-2 developer's approach to "filtering" mod activity - unless the IL-2 developers are in complete agreement with the modders.

If the UT2K4 developers had emulated Oleg Maddox, it is possible they would have said: "You want to WHAT?! Forget it!!"