Hmm, I concede it never actually occurred to me that people would buy Sins specifically for the mod. But even so, that shouldn't have any bearing on Major Stress personally; he doesn't work for Ironclad and therefore has no stake in the matter.
Did I ever said anything about Major working for Ironclad or anything like that? No!
Modding a game doesn't automaticly make you resillent to your fanbase (including alienating them).
If you look at what Startrek games modders have done over the years for Star Trek games (say Chris Jones for example), people still play those games.
And while we thank the modders for their efforts and time in doing things, a little bit of professional attitude goes along way I think.
As I said before, most of the time they are gamers, you can't expect everyone to know abit of modding, even I know just a little bit (changing stuff here and there).
In regards to buying sins for a mod, you'd be surpised.
There is a big Star Trek fanbase out there waiting for a proper game to mod and to play it.