I think the best thing about this game is going to be the mod scene. It's gonna rock.
I have to agree with you on the modding of the game. T.V out of the box is a bit bland and boring compared to T1 gameplay or T2. Basically Irrational has created an extensive training game in the singleplayer, and the multiplay aspect of the game although watered down may offer some extensive exciting mods that could rival many released titles to be released.
Its just a damn shame that noone can just make the base game out of the box as thrilling as the excitement that came the first time T1 was released. T2 sucked out of the box, but now with mods like classic it rivals T1 and in many ways its a far deeper and more fun game to play.