I don't hate on either style, but I prefer the Sims 3.
I can understand why some people may like the cartoon style of TS4, though. As far as pudding face goes, I think I understand what people mean, but I love to create my own Sims and I feel that I have been able to create a lot of Sims that don't have what I understand to be "pudding face" or a "doughy" face. I have created them without any facial sliders that aren't already part of the game. I obviously use CC hair and make-up, though.
Maybe some may disagree, but here are some examples of beautiful and interesting looking Sims created without any CC face-sliders or mods:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/24447891966_99319aa761.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1652/23629227669_af7d19e3d3.jpg
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5696/23698674431_61e3ba4e9e.jpg
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5706/23698455461_6f86512dfd.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/593/23135500164_29f6d2fef2.jpg
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5632/23394108670_a4a40cf7ea.jpg
