When I first read OPs post I thought that they were either a troll, or just trying to fan the flames and get things riled up on the forums. But then after reading for a second time I realized that they were/are posting from a good place. There is no drama or hidden agenda. :)
And I will say (and most likely others already have) that if you either love or hate the game, there will be those who will come down hard on you. Less so now it seems. But in the past it was like a shark smelling a drop of blood in the ocean, and started circling it's prey. Now those, people will bump heads - because that's only natural - but for the most part you will find this place accepting of everyone.
I've had my ups and downs with this version of the game (still do) but I have come to enjoy it for what it's worth, and having a blast playing it. I will also say that I own everything put out for the game - which again, makes it more enjoyable for me.
And I'm also glad that I'm still able to play Sims, Sims 2, and Sims 3 too! So when I get tired of one I just go to the other.
Lastly, it doesn't matter if you've been a long time simmer (playing since Sims 1) or a newbie (just now coming along with Sims 4). You are still a simmer, and you have been added to the ever growing family of Sims players. <3