If a coder has seemingly abandoned their plugin, and I've fixed it for 4.0
 

Can I post the newer version of the plugin in the 4.0 mod forum myself, or do I have to obtain permission even though they do not seem to be on the forums much anymore?

How do these sort of permissions and licenses work?

I don''t think you can post it here without the permission of the coder.

What if they don't even log on anymore?

It still doesn''t matter.

I think common sense prevails. If he doesnt even log in anymore, do whats good for the people. Post it. Then if he logs in and doesnt like that for some reason, which is highly doubtful, take it down. Id say 100% of the time he'd say thanks for updating it.

The old "It's easier to ask for forgiveness then to get permission..." reasoning.

If the coder in question did not say you can release the code, then you cannot. Its his code.

If someone does this and its bought to our attention, the mod will be removed and the poster infracted for copyright infringement.

what if he gives credit to the coder?

It's still infringement, I just copied your whole forum and opened my own but I did give you credit... same principle = fail.

Check my profile, you'll see I recently released a UKBL mod HOWEVER in his original mod it stated "Re-Usable" code and if that is the case then you can i.e. the Yet Another Awards System originally by Hachno or Hancho I believe is now released by two other coders and I and someone else made a Ranks mod by doing so and in those cases it is fine, when they give permission beforehand. We have the option to choose if it's supported, re-usable code and many other options when coders post a modification.

Always remember the the old saying about assumptions... I'll skip the latter but I would rather not be made out to appear that way because some would be quite upset and could take action into their own hands even after the staff here does based on their own forum rules.