I'm hoping for a totally different lot type system this time

That would be lovely. I would also like if possible to assign our own sims to work different NPC type jobs in the world, like if we place a bar on the lot the game would prompt as to assign a bartender. If we don't assign one, then the game will assign one. If we ask for a handyman, the game should prompt us to choose from our own sims with high handiness skill first. And we should be able to define their work schedule.