I'm confused... does she usually look like a boy? I know the name isn't particularly feminine, but she's not really very butch to my eyes.

You can get that outfit without Free Time. All of cloudlessnight's conversions work with the base game. I haven't installed FT yet, but I recieved the Prima guide in the mail today, and I really, really want to install it now. There is so much great stuff on it. I'm pumped.

I like having a large cast of minor characters too. Townies can always fill these roles, but it's more fun to work in the Maxis stock where I can, or create originals that are based off of them, or that fit with the look. Some of the big players in other 'hoods have the potential to play into the drama in Strangetown. There is already the connection with the Goths, so why not go with it all a little more? It's fun.