Haven't seen complaints on loading screens in a loooooonnng time.
There's pretty much loading screens in pretty much every game I've ever played and honestly they're not even a inconvenience at this point when I think of certain titles or titles that just did them terribly (Sonic 06. Blaarghhhh~) Though, I'd still more than enjoy being able to visit neighbors or certain lots when I'm in a designated area without a 'loading screen' if possible. Haven't really thought much about the loading screens at all anymore these days.
Also, I dunno why this thread is being derailed with conversations about the Sims 3 and comparisons. OP never mentioned anything about it.