Let's compare Skyrim's modding scenario to Oblivion in one aspect: graphics mods. Oblivion had QTP3 which was made probably back in late 2007, nearly 2 years after the game was released. It had mostly 2048x2048 textures and significantly improved the game graphics detail. Now, a few days after release Skyrim gets the Skyrim HD mod which is already of the relatively-high 2048x2048 resolution. Now there are at least 2-3 QTP3 level graphics overhauls for Skyrim. Right now we're seeing 4096x4096(!!!) resolution texture mods coming out. Note that Skyrim's world is much more packed with detail compared to oblivion, so these mods are pushing the Creation engine to the limits. I use about 40-50 texture mods and my skyrim folder has crossed 16gb in size. Skyrim has so many graphics mods that I can hardly keep track of them all, and it's all before the game is even 6 months old! Not to mention that Steam Workshop is pushing mods to the 'mainstream' and now a mod can have thousands of users within hours of release.
The future of Skyrim modding is looking sweet

Here's some mods I'm looking forward to. I just hope it's a question of when not how.
- A companion who actually feels like a real person. Companion Vilja anyone? That was one of the best mods for Oblivion.
- A large quest mod with voice-acting which just blends with Skyrim's setting without creating too much of a contrast. Like Lost Spires for oblivion.
- A huge gameplay overhaul mod (think FCOM, OOO)