They just don't look as much as a mountain bike to me, that's why I didn't use to like them. I know there are great and amazing riders who I like a lot riding mods.
When I was a kid and I wanted to get into the sport for the first time I remember I looked online for trials bikes and as soon as I saw the mod ones I went "no, f**k that, I ain't trying this shit on this silly looking bike"; of course back then, I didn't know any better.
I ride a 24 though.