How ridiculous!
Do the "know-it-all" modders here have any idea of the amount of reverse-engineering of files that has gone on in SH3 since its release?
The idea that certain files are "off limits" is wrong.
This is just a myth that has grown up for some reason in the SH3 community!
Please see the example of games like Morrowind, where there were lots of .exe patchers and programs that messed with the core game files for a variety of effects.
For example:
Morrowind Script Extender
Morrowind FPS Optimiser
Morrowind EXE Optimiser
All the above either directly modify the .exe file, or run as external programs while the normal game is run and modify "hardcoded" variables in realtime. Loads of great enhancements to that game have resulted, and uhh, it seems they haven't been shut down by anyone in the 3 or 4 years they've been around.
I seriously doubt that any legal trouble would result in doing anything to the SH3 core files like the .exe, .sim, .dlls - the only exceptions would be if you released the SH3.exe and files which would allow piracy in some way (for example if the StarForce protection was removed and you allowed the exe for download) To be on the safe side, you could just release a patcher rather than the .exe.
And if Ubi were really upset about it, all they have to do is contact the author and ask him to take it down, then the matter would be clear. Going by the EULA is foolish, because as others have noted, it technically prohibits all mods, including "unauthorised levels or scenarios"!! EULA's are legally invalid in some regard in most jurisdictions anyway.
In practical terms, Ubisoft do not care what mods you make as long as it's not along the lines of "import all data from SH4 to create uber-sim" and vice versa.
In fact, I believe at least one program that modifies a dll has already been released - I think it's called MultiSH3. Ah, yes, and on the main subsim downloads page to boot!
Quote:
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MultiSH3 (278KB): this utility that will change the folder name in My Documents that Silent Hunter 3 uses to save campaign and career information. It does this by patching a file in the game's root folder called FileManager.dll.
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"Not to be touched", indeed!