Problem is, the "empty base" disappeared too.

Same thing here - expensiveNPC has no effect.

You probably have tried this already but, well, I will risk the pointing and laughing (and correcting of my bad english)...

I had a similar problem some time ago...
Can you move your familiy out of its lot? Using the "move family" button of the sim bin?
It worked for me.

*ducks for cover*

Transportation allows the caller to choose which members of the family will go with him, if my memory is not blured by too much drinking.

My romance "cool down" as soon as they reach permaplat.
Most of my romance sims never had more than three to five lovers in their whole life - but kept them for as long as they live, either as legitimate partner, lover or best friend.
Better story material than the"who's next" maxis style....

My first 20 whoohooer fell in love with all the 20 different girls... he was servo, so could not use the lovetub, and never made it in public.
Only 5 girls are still his friends. The other 15 take turn kicking the trashbin, when the gard bot is broken 
His worst day was a downtown date where he met no less than 5 of his lovers -and miss Crumplebottom. But he had the girl anyway
Servo have a solidly attached head...

"20 simultaneous lovers" is the most fun of them all - if you have jealousy on on each and every lot. Should grant the title of "ninja lover"

ho, and hello everybody, since it's my first post here - and thank you all for all the things I learn in this awesome place.