What online/multiplayer options would you find acceptable in a Sims game?

I think if they were to go the route of Minecraft it would work out fine. Single player, and then multiplayer servers. You can create your own servers for your friends or community to use and you can set the rules. And then Maxis could have a big community server everyone is able to join. There could even be an 'open to LAN' option if you'd like someone to play in your single person world on your own terms....