I like some of the new items. I may purchase depending on the price for that reason. The legs on the large metal table look quite a bit off, but maybe its just me.
I don't have any incentive to purchase for the craftables because (if I understand correctly) they will not be useable by anyone who hasn't bought the collection already. As a merchant that kills my market.
I would really, really like to see actual themed packs. If you are going to call it the King's Collection... I would love to find items that would befit a king. Some do, but others don't seem to have anything to do with royalty. I would have loved to see items like a royal robe, a crown... portraits of the different rulers perhaps with a quote from them or a tidbit of history when clicked.
I think EA would make a lot of money if they offered multiple types of micropacks that are themed.
A wedding pack that includes a couple different bouquets, a dress, wedding decorations, rings that can be engraved, etc You could even design a temporary decor that can be placed on the land with a timer of a couple days.
A tavern pack with special mugs or bottles. For an improved bartender npc that has special alcohol etc. A bar counter, tables, etc and some eye candy like a bowl of peanuts, shelving for behind a bar that has drinks.
A desert decorator's pack with cacti, sandstone decor, an oasis, actual sand floor tiles for housing, sandstone rocks, etc
A snow pack, a swamp pack, etc... the list goes on and on.