When I first got TS2 I didn't know anything about cheats or these forums to help me with the game. I was getting totally discouraged with my Sims inability to have a "happy" life. Then I found out about the "cheats" by lurking on the official forum. I learned them all slowly and it certainly helped me get over some of the learning curves for this game. I don't know where the "cheat" label originated, but I wish they were named "test commands" or something other than cheat. I think people associate too many negative connotations to the "cheat commands". I just don't think this game can be cheated at since you play the way you want to play. No right or wrong way to really play.
With that said, I do play with some cheats. MoveOjects for building. Money cheats when I want a less difficult game. Some games I don't use any cheats at all. Just all depends on my level of stress for that particular day.
Happy Simmming all!
