In virtually all my SOLO playthroughs, I have taken the mark of the Absolute from Priestess Gut so as to allow me to use Gloves of Power, etc.
Never had an issue. Never became 'influenced' by anything in Act 1.
Will receiving the mark become an issue in a future Act 2 or 3? Dunno. But there is currently no downside to getting the mark of the Absolute in the current EA Act 1, none.
Well than I think that I'll take the brand this time through and just go with the flow and see what happens. I usually avoid the mark. is it just one point of disapproval or is it like when the Warlock summons his imp