You need Origin to verify when its first downloaded (whether via Origin or Disc) otherwise you can set origin to offline.  Origin is nothing more than a client like Steam.  You do not have to be set online to play.  I personally never have had any issues with Origins client. 

I have found Most mods for TS4 are at Mod the Sims.  There are two people at SimAsylum (Madame Butterfly & JustAnotherSimFan (JASF)) who also have some good mods for TS4 as well.   

Why is the preview picture file set to private?

Where ARE the Grammar Polis? Oh well, waves. Over here! Noted bad spelling but didn't correct it?

C an't is the correct English spelling.

back on topic - how do you macro fishing?

I don't remember a 100 hours achievement, so I probably haven't gotten it yet. I've gotten a 4 days straight achievement, but that's Sim days.

After a week of play.. here is my take.

The game is different than TS3.  Good or bad is a matter of individual taste.
Here are some basic thoughts.

-The game focuses more on individual families rather than global community and community stories.  You never really need to leave your home lot, and are not really encouraged to do so.
-There's no real community growth without your direct input. 
-Some of the vistas look very beautiful if you scroll in tight on your sim and rotate the camera to view the horizon (this requires switching to TS3 style camera controls in options.. the default options do not let you do this.)
-Because there are not many interesting mods to contribute to actual gameplay yet... it still feels rather empty and meaningless. (this will probably change unless modding TS3 ends up just being more enjoyable for the more talented people)
-The game is very easy if you have good showers stoves etc.. and unplayable if you have poor quality appliances and furniture. (unless you mod)
-Relationships are easy and meaningless.  Cheat on your spouse in front of their face.. call their mother a llama..  slap them around.. then woohoo all you want not 5 minutes later.
-Load time is good...  drawback, basically every lot is on its own.  Sure you see your neighbors house.. but it's just fluff.. you can't see in it and nothing comes out of it.

I could go on.  I think it's better if I sum it up as this.
The game is not TS3... but it is not bad.  It is a beta shell ready for the unpaid EA development staff (modders) to take over and make it fun.

Advice:   Do not buy it now and do not buy it at this price.  Wait until people mod in some depth to the game (and no i don't mean expansions.. they will just be additional shells)  Wait for the modding community to do the job right.
The only reason to buy it now is if you want to get a jump on modding the thing yourself.. otherwise you are not missing out on a dang thing.