while wow allows mods, blizzard at least at first and probably still are completley anal about giving mod makers some options and often cull anything they dont like by adding a "fix" to its function next patch.

Turbine are still considering giving some level of modding to LOTRO players. Currently you can only "skin" the interface.

They have stated later they will give access to in-game variables so at least we can create our own UI elements, like replacing existing unit frames and additing "Fubar" functionality. Much later (much, much later) they MAY release the programming interface. (I'd look for the link to it, but I'm just too lazy. It's SOMEWHERE on their forums).

To tell you the truth, I'd be happy with just being able to make my own UI display elements. While the programmable WoW addon's are great, it's too easy to take it too far and nobody wants to go through the UI nerf cycle again and again.

Aside from that, this a great game for those of us sick of WoW. It has some refreshingly new ideas, and anothers that take a bit of change in mindset to get used to. The classes are different. The concept of morale over hit points is different, but fits nicely into the setting. The PvMP is a blast. After the last two abysmal failures, I think Turbine's finally got it right again.