Can't the lure of breaking away from responsibility, freedom , moving out on your own be an MLC?
Yes, but the WAW syndrome is so similar to MLC that it's hard to tell at first. If there is no OP in her life, then it could be MLC. What is the age of your W?
You spoke about the GF having M problems, has she left her H also? When two women get together and start sharing how unhappy they are....and it leads to male bashing....they can talk each other into making choices that they ordinarily wouldn't do. They feed off of each other.
It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!