I'm not too worried about the mods I have. As I told you once, I don't install many mods. ;) But if I find I really need one I'll mention it.
Oh I know - what options does the karma have? Man I really need Karma to be documented to the person that assigns it. Does the Karma you plan to have go beyond SMF's lack of accountability?
The main thing is the little shock that comes from seeing a new interface and color scheme. That would be mainly for the other members. When I can get a test copy in the future I'll install it in a testing dir and let the staff muck around with it so their shock will be over by the time it's hooked to the main database.
Then we'll deal with the members complaining about this is missing and that is a different color. But of course, they should be wowed by the new toys as an offset.