I defiantly have to agree about Story Progression on EA's Terms. My issue is that, they move out, get married, have kids without my terms, and it's not the way I want it. That, and it causes bloat. The open neighborhood is great, but Frey, you're right, EA needs to take advantage of it! I feel like, it was just done (what's a better word for it?), impulsively, and took no time on it, to some degree. Right now, I can't even do NRAAS until I have more RAM, or even a better system. SP is good for legacies or dynasties (no dynasties for me, I'm sticking with the legacy because I like my mods!), because you're only focusing on one family, but I kind of liked playing around the neighborhood for TS2. Well I can't complain too much.
Oh, and I wold put babies and toddlers for #2.