I just saw your edit about custom sliders. There are lots I don't use, like the height ones because I don't want animations to look wonky, but I do use a lot of facial sliders because I like to make sims based on real people. I don't use them to their extreme limits but, used subtly, they really enhance the looks of your sims.
Edit to add: I should have mentioned Nraas mods although you are probably already aware of them. I don't use all of them but I do use several and could not play my game without them. Among the ones I use are SP and several of the add-ons, MC (and MC cheats), Debug Enabler, Error Trap, Overwatch and Retuner. Retuner has been a godsend because I am able to tune out a lot of things I found annoying in the past.