Using a dummy system would be great. It would avoid all the issues of keeping updates running. Excluding certain mods so only particular ones are included shows favoritism and elitism and would automatically negate the validity of such a noble endeavor. For example which of you two play my SFTC or Lite? Have you even tried it yet? Does that mean I would be included or excluded? Anyone who applies to have a dummy folder for their mod should be allowed to participate. Otherwise who amongst us is so qualified as to determine who can be included and who can't? Using a dummy system; as you point out SJ, will keep the download times down... short(?). Now this is only for mods, images and the like shouldn't be included. Well maybe UI improvements too.
Anyway we agree that it should be a dummy system for mods. Now SJ how can a system like that be implemented so it takes Aaron virtually zero effort? how is this for tossing ideas out. Sticky post here, SpaceEmpires, and whatever the other "official" site is asks for modders to place a dummy folder with a good link in it. Then just before the next patch a few of us round them up and paste them to the Beta site. Finally Aaron copies them into the update, zips it up, and poof off it goes? What kind of plan is that, where are the holes, how can it be made better? Final thought. Is there a way that the link can be built into the Mod_Definition.txt? This may be shooting to high so blame it on my lack of technical knowledge. What I have in mind is the player downloads the update with the dummy folders and a "dummy Mod_Definition.txt". When they start SE5 they see the selection screen and if they click on the duumy mod it gives a short description (this part would need to be limited to a certain number of characters) and also a link to the download site. How feasible is that?