Now I am curious about that free sims 3 too. I know that I got all the SIMs 2 stuff free (after spending $200+ buying and re-buying the game, stuff, and expansions.) much to my annoyance. Sims 4 is pretty fun to watch - I switch between about five families and will randomly see the kids from my self-sims family storming around the hood pissed off at something. I miss memories now - they at least could clue me in to why my kids are always so mad.
Don't worry about being old school. I didn't own sims 3 until after Sims 4 was getting announced. Given that I am a game junkie I just bought everything I could on that game.
Hmm.. I think I shall make the single sim I will control actions of occasionally. Most challenges requite the sims to learn the skills and max stuff like that, while limiting the beds and food. So I think I will do that.