@ciane I think the idea of picking what you want to install is a good one. I also think a better system of filtering would work for an upgrade to TS3.
You have a very clear idea of what would be enough for you to move on. Several people here, including you, have given the matter a lot of thought. I think you are the first though to say you might accept a compromise. For some of us a lot would depend on what EA would be prepared to offer if the number of recourse was reduced and CASt was more limited.
One thing I have noticed, because I have currently uninstalled most of my store content, is I don't miss it. There is a level of duplication between store content and the packs. On the other hand without store content the choices for certain objects becomes limited, doors and staircases in particular. So for me to move on I want a more balanced approach to the items offered in packs and DLC. A dedicated fan of the sims is likely to buy both after all.
Anyway it is late here so I must sleep.
