Lifetime happiness rate

[Thalassicus]

On the FAQ it states the rate of lifetime happiness is 1 per second while happy. Do positive moodlets have any usefulness above what's necessary to be elated?

Elsewhere on the guide the over-emotional trait is often recommended, and the big mood gains possible with the spa Packages. However, keeping my sim's needs met plus one or two common moodlets (such as well rested and clean clothes) usually keep the sim elated. What benefits are provided by moodlets if already elated?

[Metropolis Man]

There's a difference in the happiness rate gain if your Sim is Elated vs Very Happy (and obviously lower states produce even slower gains or no gain at all). So, the really big moodlets that push your Sim to an Elated state are great and will net them max gain rate. Once they're at the max gain rate, additional positive moodlets will not provide any benefit.

[Thalassicus]

Thank you for the clarification! I was unnecessarily spending time and money getting as many moodlets as possible. 

[cathyknits]

It might be helpful to have a couple extra positive moodlets above and beyond what it takes to fill the bar as a buffer against something bad happening, but there's no real need to go "all out".

[CowgirlBlues]

Don't sims also learn skills faster when their mood is high? And if they have some MOODLETS to buffer against motive decay, then they can study a bit longer.