It's the same for me too lol,tried to play with out it but gave in very quickly (after about2 sim hours )
When I first got sims, I had never played the previous ones so I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I played for awhile but never truly got addicted, I was constantly stressing over their needs. I was just about to give up on them because of that plus the collecting was frustrating me to no end. I could never find anything but what I already had found, so I asked my best friend for help. He googled it and sent me several links to try and help. One of the links led me here, and I finally completed the collecting, and I also found the cheats, long story short, I became well and truly addicted and haven't looked back since.
Yes, it means I can't participate in challenges unless make needs static is allowed, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. Ever since than, I have tried it without it, I truly have but the constant caring and watching the need bars makes it stressful, so I just cheat and enjoy my game!
I also would love to use moveobjects on in real life. Also, the one I would like to use the most is familyfunds. I could have an awesome house, and most importantly, an amazing computer with awesome graphics that could play without lagging and distorted pets!!