It's worth it to me because I enjoy the bigger challenge of gardening when you have to pay attention to the seasons unless you have a greenhouse. And I've noticed small things as well. I forgot to add a thermostat to my Sims' house, it was day two of Spring and they got a light flurry of snow. My Sim mom and daughter automatically spun into their cold weather gear to warm up, and Mom autonomously lit the fireplace! Finally a use for fireplaces other than just looks. That made me happy for some odd reason.