Story progression works better, I would say. I have seen at least 5 or 6 families move in to town, I haven't read the newspaper everyday. Haven't read the papers on days where children may have been born...how about I will try to read the paper more often, and get back to you on more concrete evidence? Though, with toddler triplets running around, I may not start until they become children!
Lisa- Actually, I'm finding this to be easier, so far. The opportunity system is not bugged with only the base game, and I am not finding myself wondering how I am going "to do" everything, because there isn't a whole lot of extra stuff they can do. I'm the type of girl where if I had all the EP's loaded, I would want my sims to become master rollerskaters, iceskaters, glassblowers, etc. in addition to doing their dynasty requirements. This way, once they are done with their requirements, they will continue to go to work (for eternity) and if they get bored I will send them to the easel to paint.