Mark and Ethan's relationship marked a generation of gays who grew up watching their videos, I was about 18 when I started watching them and yes they were a positive influence on me, they made me believe that I could have a nice and healthy relationship.
I think it all came crashing down when they moved to California, that place is too toxic, too liberal and too depraved for two small town young men to live and stay together, too much temptation! I think Mark tried to fix certain things but didn't succeed and Ethan wanted to be a slut and ,well, now he is and that's ok.