To enjoy the path of ascension, one does not need to somehow belittle the other route. After all, this Astarion is the same person, be it UA or AA.
In the romance scenes Astarion changes in both routes in my opinion. In one more, in one less. He is or behaves not exactly the same as he was. In the main story, there is not so much difference. But everyone is free to have their own opinion.
There is a difference, of course. But in romance he is in love in both routes. That's why AA's new kisses worried us so much. Or Tav should enjoy it, and (preferably) there should be another option for kissing ("be gentle", perhaps).
