I agree they need to fix MP stability before they can enable mods on a global system, but I don't share your positive outlook on getting MP fixed. MP is dying right now and some simple mods like a QC mod that doesn't change hardly any files could keep players interested.
I don't see mods dividing the community I see them making the community more vibrate. Like have stated Civ3 is still going strong because they have mods.
I'm not asking you to do Firaxis's work for them, just do something small for us. People that want to use it will, others will not. As long as it is not excessively difficult to switch between mods and unmodded games this should not be a problem.
CS