I've kind of felt this way every time a new iteration of The Sims comes along, but that's why I always end up recreating old families, often with new twists. I do understand your pain, and I'm sincerely sorry for your loss. I would be just as devastated if I lost my saved game data right now. In fact, I think I'll take a lesson from you and save my game files. While I see no immediate reason I should lose them, things often happen in the blink of an eye, and I've been where you are now; it's awful, but time marches ever onward, and you always find a way to begin again.