I should add that we are our own worst enemies if we make full season mods that allow an owner of F1 2010 to race the 2012 season with full drivers and liveries. Sure, they are great (and I'm sure very satisfying to make) but mods that stop people buying the new game will ultimately kill the game. Why would Codemasters risk investing a fortune to develop F1 2012 or 2013 if people can race these seasons with mods of old games? CM have to get a fair return for their investment or they won't make the game.
A mature approach to modding would be to make improvements to current season only - like the brilliant AI Tool kit (which was sorely needed), or HD tyres or helmets or whatever, but not new seasons. If we do that, Codemasters will walk away (I would) and then we all miss out.
I realise this idea of modder self-regulation is probably unrealsitic but I suggest that everyone think about this: how can we have mods without destroying value for the company that makes our game?
We have to co-exist.
I wonder if Codemasters can lock out mods that install whole new seasons, but could allow and even encourage mods and improvements to the current season?
Something to think about.