We use the curseforge api to download the mods. That is perfectly inline with curseforge. If it was not they would not approve it. Hosting sites also have no trouble offering the curseforge server pack.

We are using zip file distribution method as intended. Serverstarter is perfect for any kind of server as you are not forced to dump 200mb modpack over ftp if you have remote server, and even locally its downloading only server-side mods that are needed.

I just want to apologize for what I said. Looking over it I was definitely in the wrong. So I am just retracting everything I said. Sorry about that!