The Sims is definitely some kind of ominous and dark shadow looming over the genre. One thing I do enjoy more about Paralives so far is that it feels more European in architecture, which is a nice change to the stock American suburbs in the Sims base game.
That voting mechanic thing is so hilarious in the context of such a deeply depolitised game. Not that electoral politics will ever fundamentally change the world, but what are the Sims even voting for? Why do they care? It's a vague, apolitical dys/utopia with an American set dressing. The greenwashed ecology mechanics just feel flat in the context.
I'm glad you like the idea of that mod though! The more I think about it the more I think I might like for it to have some kind of narrative element, similar to MyHouse.wad I'll make some noise if I ever get around to actually finishing it. Cheers and have fun with Faggots and Their Friends ;)