Yes, without all the 'bed hopping' there would be limited scope for 'love children', paternity tests, anguished secrets and so on that drive the plots in Soapland.
I also think Max is a little toad. He seemed to be improving after his time in Borstal or whatever they call it now, but he's becoming insufferable again. He was in love with Lauren, though, which could explain his behaviour around that. I immediately suspected him of involvement in the Abi photo situation, too. Maybe he is destined to be misunderstood until he grows up.