Regarding patch updates uploads for addons by others.

[BornDownUnder]

What is the general rule of thumb in regards to this?

I have made some client-side patches to fix some addons for myself, the authors appear to MIA as I have messaged them and they have not replied, nor have they updated their addons in a month or more for various fixes which I have covered in my own client-side patches...

Just wondering what other developers think as I have full respect for authors and am not wanting to step on toes.