I think Neosnk had some good advice.
Play the stock game until you can decide, for yourself, what aspects of the original game you would like changed. Then you would be in a better position to review and evaluate which mods are good for YOU and your play style.
Just because some people like mod X does not mean that you would like it. Mod Z may be all that you want depending on your play style.
Don't play a mod just because "everyone else uses it" for they probably don't (many more people play SH4 who never post on this board
Play a mod because it enhances YOUR game experience. And only you can make that determination.
Good luck and good hunting