This thread is a little old, but since it's still going, I'll weigh in because I can't remember if I already did, lol.
Sure, they could do away with Stuff Packs, but that absolutely does not mean that suddenly EPs and GPs will have more content without increasing in cost. The pack structures contain a revenue plan for the company because it's still business and they have numbers to beat in order to please their investors. So what happens when you take the Stuff Pack revenue away completely? Well, it has to make up somewhere, so congratulations, suddenly EPs and GPs increase in price by $5 each. But sure, you get a few more objects and CAS in them, not that it would be that noticeable. Business is business and that's the unfortunate reality of capitalism.
At least now the themes are minor and cohesive and easy to skip if they don't appeal to the player. They are generally affordable and include a little bit of gameplay for a tight budget. Compared to what Stuff Packs used to be, ($20 for just objects and clothing) and considering we get whole Game Packs for that price now, I think it's actually a huge improvement.