The problem with linking all the towns is that the loading times would be terrible.
I don't know or think the lagging is solely to do with the game, I think it's your computer and the amount of memory you put in it. Lagging typically happens from not enough memory on the computer, and too many TEMP files in your game folder. When you don't clean it out after say, a good month or so, all those backup files will accumulate (those are temp-folders), which causes your game to slow down. I'm no computer expert, but me and my dad know a thing or two from my Uncle (his brother) who has the computer wiz trait.
@folcon: I really love the idea right there. Have your Sim travel to Bridgeport for a day, make friends there, and go home to Sunset Valley. Personally, I find Sunset Valley really boring after a great while and love the change of pace.
With all these sports suggestions, I'm beginning to think it's not impossible that they'll be included eventually. They could mean individualized skills, no different than guitar, bass, drums and piano.
I can defiantly agree on this. You're right, maybe athletics could be broken down into individual sporting skills. I would love to see basketball, baseball, gnubb, (with Ambitions), swimming, soccer, football, (I'm from the States!) and hockey included that way too! I think the next patch update should include body piercings in CAS! The trait portion of Sim me is officially complete (thank you Pets)! Body piercings would be even more complete! I have my nose pierced by the way.