I enjoyed reading everyone's reply. That's exactly the problem this game had. So many people beg for realistic gameplay but the utopia lifestyle is far from reality for many people. In my country there is a slums where people literally live in trash. And maybe that's why I'm so inclined to unconciously replicate more unfortunate lifestyles.
And as a child even in America I remember my mom going through trash and bringing things home that looked almost new. In a short while we had so many nice second hand things!
I never thought it was degrading or sad, it was just a way of life.
That's why even though Sulani is one of my favorite worlds I never have sims live there long term. I feel like they are on a perminate luxury vacation and i can't relate lol ?