For me the secret in handling (wrangling) this many Sims is to have them all at full autonomy. Then I can focus on the ones I need to focus on the most. Also, use the pause button, it is your friend! Queue up actions for those who won't or aren't doing what they should be doing, homework, work tasks, laundry, et al, and then un-pause. I'm never happier than when the lot is bulging with Sims. I also have walked down the dark path to using the Make Happy Cheat more often than I care to admit. The Sims' needs just decline so very rapidly in this game, it's almost a joke. And, yes, I do have a mod or two or three. ;)
