I set up an environment to minimize annoyances (like no TV or computer), strategically have them dislike certain things that Sims tend to get obsessed over (like fitness and dancing), have a bunch of mods to stop them from certain really annoying idles (like phone) and actions (like getting/drinking water).
And so far my current game they have been decent in this play through, I also have them in a fairly new custom house and only obsess over a few things (like the telescope). I still think likes/dislikes should play role in autonomy instead of the current system, where it is more like a score sheet of emotion/age/traits/etc.
