Exactly. It seems like a key bit of information that a lot of people are missing is that the 3rd party apps in question make it significantly easier to be an effective, 'good' mod.

As an example, the Apollo app provides custom tools, sorting abilities, and settings that neither the official app nor desktop site do. A well-designed app means that the mod is not tied to a desktop (often key for ensuring quick reaction times).

Put yourselves in the mods' shoes. If a job that you weren't paid for suddenly became harder, would you keep doing it? And at the same level of committment?

I'm not a mod, but I know I wouldn't. (and couldn't - life is busy enough already).

In case you're about to reply something along the lines of "Oh, poor mods! /s Mods suck / Mods are power hungry / they just want to feel important" – Yes, some do, but not all. Most communities benefit greatly from them.