Well, i think private forums are acceptable, but maybe a moderator such as ER, should have access and control over it.

Mod teams keep privacy for development, and the moderator can ensure that members are not thrown-out. This would also enable,in my opinion, that information that the moderator finds should be 'public' info, can be released to the community, while other aspects can stay private.

Also, the moderator can observe various aspects of a mod's development, and if he sees fit, enhance mod team co-operation. For example, if one mod needs something that another mod can help and vice-versa, productivity would increase due to this.

However, in an ideal world, i would propose a database full of all units by the community, that are 'freeware' to all private use... This way, once a mod is released, the units can be collected and placed here, along with any ui cards etc. Theoretically this wouldnt interfere with copyright as the units would be 'strictly private use'. I feel that all mod material should be freeware for private use...