Somewhere, I can't find, there is an option to turn off progression, thus eliminating NPC autonomous activity (I think). I've just recently started experiencing the issue of multiple iterations of the same characters in Manage Households. (I don't have story progression enabled.)
It depends on the builder's or owner's preferences. There are no hard and fast rules. Also aesthetics and layout play key roles. Turn it the way you want.
I tried everything... cheating and lowering her motives and cooking skills, using bad fish, even serving rotted fish at the stand... Nothing. Well, I did get the gift of multiple non-extinguishable fires (reported as bug). I finally cheated the aspiration milestone to complete it.
I believe the issue is over. I locked the critter in a pen, left the lot, returned and suddenly all the options for care, etc. were available. No lamb chops for dinner. Thanks for the suggestions!
Evil mini-sheep has been complaining about leaving due to neglect, but she hasn't fulfilled her threats... ~sigh~. I think I'm stuck with this beast unless I take drastic measures like a pen with no gate or food. (evil)
Years ago some fellow Sim players and I were in Pasadena. As we drove down streets or looked in store windows, we'd randomly exclaim, "I've got that in my game!" Two of the players were great content creators and when we bemoaned not having an object, they made them for us. :)
My Sim just attended the Starlight Accolades event and no one showed up... no host, no guests. This is the first time this has happened in my game. Something's definitely up.