I actually rather like it! The thing with the stuff packs is, if there is content I like, it's 10$. I can easily afford that, even if its only for ahandful of hairstyles and clothing options I want, $10 justifies the hundreds of uses I'll get out of a hairstyle I CANT live without.
It's more gamepacks and expansions I worry about, but only because the numbers for them with Sims 2 and 3 were relatively even, for every EP, there'd be a stuff pack, not every 2 stuff packs an EP or GP. That's my only worry, but then my solution is wait until ones I don't love go on sale, or don't bother. My Sims don't need to go bowling, hold fancy parties, go to the movies, have spooky things or go on outdoor retreats, have clubs or even go to Selvadorada. I tend to play the most with City Living, and use the most CAS from Cats and Dogs.
The way to see it is that you hve a chance to save money by prioritising and choosing what features you do and don't care for. Don't want laundry? save $10 and don't bother! Don't need clubs? Save $40 and don't bother :)
The way I see it is that theyre only options, and the game still feels fun without some features.
