The way I play is a mixed bag. I started with a commentary style, but it quickly morphed into a narrative. The gameplay aspects of the legacy are worked into the storyline now. If it's something that can't work with the storyline, I allow it to become something else. For example, I needed to get Cordelia and her husband Gregg divorced, but I made the mistake of moving her out before I divorced them. Because of their hurt relationship, I couldn't get Gregg to come to the lot so that Cordi could initiate the divorce. I worked it into the storyline that Gregg wouldn't give Cordelia a divorce out of spite. Eventually, Cordelia had to blackmail him to get out of the marriage. I got him to the lot by the eldest daughter becoming friends with his illegitimate son who introduced her to his father. Then, I could invite him over to get the divorce.

In truth, I will always choose plot over the rules, but try to stick to the spirit of the challenge. Playables are fair game to me and I often use them as spouses for heirs and whatnot. I rarely play the playables until the characters involve themselves anyway. Hell, Johnny Smith pretty much didn't give me a choice in the matter. He decided that he was going to be with Cordi regardless of my intent to honor the rules, so I let that one go. I try to play in a somewhat rotative style so that characters have the opportunity to emerge on their own, but I doubt that I'll ever be a player with 60 households in a rotation.