Does Seasons mark the beginning of story progression?

The only way I want story progression in my game is with a toggle that can turn it completely off. It made Sims 3 almost unplayable for me. I manage my unplayed families' stories too so I don't want it touching them either. If they add it, there must be a way for me to make sure it has no impact whatsoever on my game. Otherwise they'd be fundamentally changing the game I bought and crippling its playability, which is unethical.