I have not played this though I have read a bit about it and I have considered it. I've always played my main game as one that is set in modern times but I could see doing a historic spin-off. I've read about that challenge.
Personally, I don't have a problem with players playing whatever challenge they want to. If it is fun to you or interesting to you or makes your game more exciting, I do not judge. Play how you want to. Different themes can appeal to different players and historical content is often appealing to different players. It can also be interesting to just set events in a different time or to pretend that you lived in a different time.
As far as the challenge goes that I've read about, I personally don't really want to have to have a male heir as a requirement. I understand how things used to be but I also think that is a bit simplistic. In my main game, I don't really play with heirs because I follow any sims that interest me of any background. I understand that's a key part of legacy play and I don't judge it but I am personally uncomfortable with the idea of needing a male heir especially in a more recent time period. In the middle ages? Yes. In the early 1900's? Things were changing a lot. There were independent women, there were successful minority business owners, there were different sexual identities. Anyone who wants to play with those themes is still playing with historical accuracy but also it's fine to just play how you want to.
I think when it comes to challenges, it is fine to make adaptations to play in ways that make you comfortable. Some players might prefer the challenge of sticking to the rules or might just want to play with different sets of ideas. I'm honestly fine with that because it becomes the player's game when they get it. So, do what you want and don't worry too much about other players.
