I just finished both paths. love and hate mom, I have to say the best one for me so far is: Hate mom and don't be submissive, and not treating Ashley badly.
The whole "THE WHOLE" Uncle's story seems totally stupid and ridiculous to me, not to mention the expense of resources and time to make it. And everything seems to indicate that it will get even more ridiculous, seriously, it seems that in this path dev don't know how to handle the motives behind Nicole's behavior... (after "I'm sorry baby" she says in another scene "maybe this murderer bastard is what my son needs to get tougher")
WTF?
Going for a couple of beers with Derek or whatever his name is, felt a little poorly developed, (probably, thanks to the scenes with the uncle) but seemed like a nice touch.