I think the ts4 sims are a good example of balance between the two because with cc you can make them look quite realistic or straight up disney.
But the environment and objects are soooooo smooth, clay, chunky and cartoony. I LOVE texture and appropriate sizing. It makes me crazy to see an item with great realistic texture similar to ts3. And many cc items I have in ts4 are converted from ts3 because it looks so good.
Ts3 looks outdated in many ways but shines in others. Their water is so beautiful for example. I always hoped so bad for a water update in ts4??
That said modern over the top graphics really disturb me?