First off I would like to show what I can do.
I can do basic bitmapping, spawn changes, reticle modification and starting grenade changes:

model changing (bouncing one is live):

and if you need to see my entire mod so far i made a folder of pics along with tutorials showing that i know how to do them: mediafire
Ok now for the questions:
Is the point of modding to be flashy and "come look at what i can do" and being the first one to do ______ or is it to improve on the quality of the game?
I would think this would be a bit of both.
To make a "[tut]" do you need to be a "top modder" or just be able to easily pull off the mod and have tested many aspects of it? (and the ability to write coherently)
and last is: How do you make new 3d content for the game as i REALLY want to make some of my own stuff!
have fun modding!
Level 1 kid.
