Robert seems about the same as usual to me, just a more extreme version. The only part that seems forced to me is the usual recycled hostility with Aaron to faciliate Breakup #4333. But we're seeing him lose everything so he lashes out more. I hope it leads to him being broken off from Home Farm and having to build from the ground up, which he needs. It would also be nice to see more of him with Andy and Victoria, but who needs that when we can get more of "Locky/Lucky/Lachie" and his crybaby of a mother.
I'm more annoyed with Chrissie and her usual hypocritical cluelessness - not caring that her scheme with Ross could lead mobsters to her door, because, "I didn't hurt my family!" and whining about how she is ashamed to be honest with her father, the rape apologist and hardcore misogynist. She's a pathetic little princess who needs a wakeup call.
I think Aaron still has feelings for him but is trying to push those far down, because of the way Robert has behaved and because of his mother.
I think he and Aaron will stay split up for a while, probably until right before the inevitable affair reveal. Aaron may just be single and try to be fine with it, while Robert is unhappily married and pines. What I'd like to see if Aaron get a new boyfriend (someone who is able to stand up to people, and someone who is effeminate while also being tough and sexual - I'd also like to see a gay actor cast in one of these roles on Emmerdale again...) and Robert work to break them up, and Aaron dates this guy (and slowly starts to fall for him) even as he starts up a love/hate sexual relationship with Robert again. But I doubt the show will do that.