I'm not concerned at all at the current approach. I played Sims 2 and the first game so that is the only comparison I have personally. Through world of mouth I am positive I would have not liked the Sims 3 store, and I know I wouldn't have participated in point system. So it would have cured me of wanting everything.
I do think the packs and activities in the packs add more depth to the gameplay as @Loanet said. I can skip (but don't) themes I don't like... especially GP wise. I don't want to skip packs because I've found for the most part I still have control over my game when adding this content in but that's another topic.
Yoga for instance is much deeper in this game than in Sims 2. It has associated skills that make sense for that pack it also has meditation, massage.. and more. I don't think that would have been possible if it hadn't had it's own pack.. if it had been rolled into an EP.. it wouldn't have been as good as it is. I can't conceive of Spa Day being added into a larger EP and still giving us the full experience that it does.
Same with Vampires. I didn't want to play them in Sims 2 but I well know they are much more advanced. I'm finally playing them in this game.
As for the Jungle Adventures the associations between themes is great to me. I really enjoy how they tie in adventure and the local culture. I want as many vacations as they can cover like this.. give us a twist and blend in the flavor. Make it pop. I'll pay more for that.
In Sims 2.. the vacations were rolled into one pack that's all we got and could expect... and it wasn't very in depth in my opinion. Not in comparison to the two vacations we have, and hopefully many more to come. Yes we are paying more for them if it continues. No I don't mind. I'm quite happy at the end of the day with my content. Sales are also quicker to come. So if I can hold my horses for a month or three I'm bound to get the EP or SP on sale.
The stuff packs... well... I do think they are meant to be money makers and quickies to keep up the interest. Adding the gameplay in will entice those that enjoy the game to buy it. I do want the gameplay provided though, because I enjoy the game and want more of it.
I've never had a rodent like this in the game. The disease, contraction, contagious process and (controlled) death possibilities have made this last pack possibly my favorite. And frankly I don't really like much of the build/buy.. because I don't play with kids much and the living room furniture isn't a normal style I would chose for my sims to use. I do love the rugs and the hair. I can do without the added pet stuff. Either way though considering what I like or dislike stuff wise.. I paid for that rat and the whole disease/death thing . Again I'm sure if they had attempted to place that rodent in Cats & Dogs I would have got none of that. I'm looking forward to what other additional game play comes with future stuff packs after this. I almost think they are wrapping the Dangerous pack theme into stuff packs now and I'm so very fine with that.
