Mod files were unique in that they enabled the average user to
become a musician overnight and distribute their work easily. Assuming someone already owned a computer, the only additional costs would be the
tracker registration fee (if any) and possibly a more robust
soundcard. With a modem, the aspiring musician could upload their creations to a
BBS (and later, the internet) and spread it worldwide.
It was the precursor to mp3.
Its only limitation was the amount of sample data that could be embedded, thus effectively eliminating vocals. With the advent of newer trackers that could take advantage of extended or onboard (soundcard) memory, it became somewhat feasible (ie., Scirocco's rapping in Suburban Gangsta), but it was still a severe limitation.
To some, it was a challenge. A subgenre of the mod scene was the chipmod. They often arose out of competition, where the best song had to be packed in the smallest amount of space. It is truly amazing what one could get out of a single cycle of a square wave.
That, to me, was the beauty of the scene. It was ingenuity exercised.