so there’s a thing called XIVLauncher which is fanmade and is a MUCH better game launcher than the native one by Square. It downloads patches/installs WAY faster PLUS it has amazing Linux support. With the launcher comes something called Delamud or mod or whatever. this is essentially an in game mod browser allowing you to download mods for the game. You’re right that the majority of mods are UI based stuff or ease of life mods.
That being said there’s also the “other” mods. These mods can change the appearance of your characters model and gear. some VERY NSFW stuff. These mods are local side only so no other player is going to see your cat girl with Triple D tits.
Square has made a stance on mods in the game for years, a VERY known stance to the player base, that mods of any kind are NOT allowed and can result in a ban if you’ve been caught using them. The community has been playing on the edge with this and the fact that they’re mad about it NOW is silly. they KNOW the policy, Square has made it clear to them SEVERAL times, and they’ve chose to ignore it.
Square themselves. They’ve gone on record god knows how many times stating that Mods are not allowed in the game. full stop. even stating as much in Live streams for upcoming patches/expansions and Q&As. So the community freaking out now is sort of a “really? what did you expect?” type of deal.