I don't see how it's a silly comparison at all. Even if you argue that Content Manager is more than just a mod, the point still stands. Replace this idea with the idea of someone creating a skin for one of Lilski's tracks and re-releasing it without crediting him.Please. What a silly comparison.
EDIT: Do you use mods ripped from anywhere? If so... please don't be a hypocrite.
But to follow your edit, I do use ripped models - yes. Do I expect them to credit the game they took the model from? yes. Do I expect them to credit the artist that made it? no, someone could easily trace it back to the modelling team from just the name of the game.
With that said, would I buy a paid mod with a stolen model? No. Would I expect the modder to encrypt a mod that uses stolen content? No. I will still use the mod, but it's definitely not what I would do if I was the modder.