I have become very scared of updates after the for rent update (corrupt lots) and the crystal creation update (invisible moodlets and trackers being erased). So when there is a new big patch, I either wait one or two weeks to update or I temporarily switch to another save to build or test new features.
There are a few things I do to keep my main save safe
I think your play style is really close to mine. I prefer to let neighbors and townies be static and be controlled. But I still allow to let them introduce each other and become friends automatically. I even take it to make the stories too.
I disable neighborhood stories for whole and disable weather death. I control the design of all sims in game as it’s one of my favorite gameplay. There are many more feature I want to play, and I love to play with sims I designed.
Bodyhair feature is good in some ways but too annoy in the gameplay because it’s too extreme. I have to turn it off as well because shaving time is too long. I usually allow men to have body hair and only change if it’s too out of character. I don’t let my original female sims have it. Really want this toggle off too.
Do you play with mod? There is a mod to stop body changing, I have to use it because I already have over 600 sims, it’s impossible to check and fix everyone overtime lol. But if you only play small amount of family (or only your super sim family) it isn’t necessary.
Lastly, back up routine is important thing for everyone. I do it daily for save file. It’s helpful for going back when something go wrong including because personal mistake.
