Sims 3: Expansion Pack/Stuff Packs Install Error [Steam Version]

Before I get complaints I would like to say I have read the "MOST-UP-TO-DATE" Installation Instructions! 

Hello all, first i'd like to say thanks for taking the time to read this (For those of you who actually did) & taking a moment to help me. Recently I purchased Sims 3 from Steam, (No expansions, no stuff packs) but & it is quite fun, but I refuse to purchase an expansion pack for x4 what I bought the game for. The expansion/stuff pack prices are complete ****.

Moreover, I have tried looking for an installation guide, & I have checked multiple resources, the following links I have read multiple times:

How to install The Sims 3 Correctly
Sims 3 Ultimate Fix
Update The Sims 3 to 1.67 (Not really relevant)
Sims 3 Origin Base Game, Pirated Expansions
Help Installing Sims 3 Expansions/Stuff
Installing Expansion Packs Error
Multiple other posts & video sources.

From what I have seen none of those links provide an actual fix for MY problem, nor do they have instructions on how to actually install the expansions, they just tell you to do it. (Including the first link on my list). I just get this error: "This Product requires an installed copy of The Sims3. Please install The Sims3 before installing this product."

I have made backups of my game install & the data in the C:\Users\*****\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3
before attempting this. I tried copying the folders into the directory and running the Sims3EP02Setup.exe from there & even in a folder on the desktop. I finally came across this post here after watching tons of videos
Can I have torrented expansions on a legal base game?

It basically states that you may install pirated expansion/stuff packs with a legal base game with the exception of it being Origin ONLY. 
So I suppose my two questions are there a viable workaround for this without me jumping through hoops & having to download a cracked version of The Sims 3? If so may someone be so kind as to help me through it?

MisterBossFTW wrote:Before I get complaints I would like to say I have read the "MOST-UP-TO-DATE" Installation Instructions! 

I'd also like to add that yes, pretty much all of the guides here are based on cracked games (and not Steam/Origin versions), and that in this particular instance, the TS3 Must-read guide contained all information that was available at the time the guide was written. 

We may add a notice about Steam-based games to the instructions as well, I suppose.   Please understand though for the future, that the guides we post almost always tend to be 'complete to the best of our knowledge'. If you find anything missing from it, then it is almost certainly because what you had in mind is (technically) not possible to do.

And yes, if you like to add something to your already-written post, consider using the "EDIT"-button on your post.