Most modders I know create mods that will enhance THEIR game-play, things they want to see in a game they are playing, and they have no qualms sharing their work so others can experience the game as they do.

Some modders just enjoy modding; a hobby.

And there are other modders who would like to turn their work into a living which is obviously their option. So you see such things as the Patreon situation you mention.

I would guess if you, as a modder, wanted maximum exposure with hopes some developer might take interest in your work (which has happened a lot) paid mods might limit such exposure UNLESS those mods were exceptionally executed and drove traffic to your paid site.

But a modder must always be mindful of copyright/intellectual property rights infringement issues, especially if they are taking payment for mods, that a developer might pursue depending on what the mod actually does.

However using a site like Patreon a modder can sometimes tenaciously skirt these issues by claiming their supporters are not buying 'mods', but merely supporting the modder themselves regardless of the modders current endeavors.