I love them, but only really used them for decorative purposes or for small "memories" of TS3. When I started playing, I recreated my family from TS3 who lived on Sunlit Tides back then and I just had to get them the Island Paradise one as a "souvenir" from home.
I just recently discovered their emotional auras and now use them constantly. For example, when I have a sim who has the master chef aspiration which requires to cook meals while inspired, I just put *I think the Ambitions one* in the kitchen so they are constantly inspired. It really comes in handy. The same when I have a programmer/gamer sim and want them to earn their skills faster.