I found this topic kinda fun, and instead of digging up the old one, I'll make a new one. Dear little sims, please make sure that you're actually home when you invite my sim over, especially when ...
It is not necessary to change into bat form to move two feet over to grab a plate. And then do it again to adjust yourself six inches to the right for a better angle. In fact, not only is it not necessary, it seems to make you forget your task altogether.
(Really, I wish there was a "always move as bat to leave the lot but just walk when it's in the same room" option)