The Elder Scrolls: How to approach for a beginner?!

[Nigh Invulnerable]

The fact that everyone says, "Use a mod! It'll be better that way!" seems to indicate to me that the core games are uniformly boring. Experience has also led me to this conclusion, but it does make me wonder why Bethesda doesn't do more to adapt the popular mods into core gameplay for future installments....

They do that all the time.

Usually in [bold]DLC[/bold]. Dawngaurd, Hearthfire and Dragonborn were all heavily mod influenced.

If it's DLC, it's not part of the core game then. That's my only gripe about it. I shouldn't have to pay extra or go hunting for the mods (if they're free). Just implement them in the game please, Mr. Developer. This is especially frustrating when they see cool mods from Oblivion, but then don't apply any of the gameplay features in Skyrim. What's the point of getting community feedback then?

OT: My favorite way to play TES games is to turn off my PC or console and play some D&D or Pathfinder with friends. Way more fun.