There's an old saying--You live and you learn; or in EA's case, "Well, we see how badly this went the last time, so let's try again!". Part of the reason TS4 is so stripped down is that after Sim City (2013) bombed, it was completely retooled, while still being based on the same watered-down engine.
Part of the reason I got into The Sims 3 (while it was already well into TS4's lifetime in 2017, TS4 was not having the big sales it seems to enjoy now) and later TS4 was the online-always connection, real-time game clock, and constant micro-transactions of Sims Freeplay. that led me to grow tired of it.
The other problem I have with it being online is the servers. Once the Sims 5 is outside of its lifecycle, they will obviously be taken down. Thus, the game, if dependent on an online connection, would be useless.
I see that really, there is no need to have an online component aside from the gallery. I just don't see why I should interact with actual people in a game that simulates real life. That just seems weird. Leave online play to the smartphone versions of the game.
