games that offer the option to self-host dedicated servers often have a central “master” server. dedicated servers advertise themselfs to the master server and clients can ask the master server for a list of servers. might be that the comment was talking about a server like that.
the master server for ut 2k4 that was run by epic had to be replaced by one from the community for two years now for example.
e:
all ut games have community run master servers thread at ut99.org
deck is mostly more input options (right stick, d-pad, 4 back buttons instead of 2).
the biggest difference is the placement of the touchpads imho, as i cant use both shoulder buttons and the touchpad on a side without adjusting my grip, but that only mattered in shooters for which i use flickstick on the deck and not the right touchpad.
only thing i’d suggest is something like better leveled lists, because i hate that aspect of Oblivion with a burning passion. No glass and deadric armor for bandits.
Moo is a more complete gameplay overhaul, thats pretty popular.
textures is up to you, there are good upscales of the vanilla textures and there are well made replacements, so pick a comprehensive pack with a style you like.