Getting Maria ending, what do I do?

[donutsat11]

I've looked at several different guides in order to get this ending, however, the information on exactly what 'triggers' the Maria ending is incredibly confusing and leaves a lot of holes, here's some examples I'd like clarified:
1. Guides on this ending give conflicting information about what constitutes as 'ignoring' Maria. One guide says to go to Jack's Inn right away, as not listening to her guide James is him choosing to ignore her (hurting chances at Maria ending). At the same time, a different guide suggests not immediately going to Jack's Inn, as it demonstrates James wanting to drag out his mission to find Mary so he can spend more time with Maria (Increasing chances at Maria ending). So which is it?
2. Almost no guide says if you should attack Pyramid Head during the first fight. One guide said to hurt him a little, but not attempt to kill him, but no other guide nor information was used for corroborate this.
3. Am I supposed to walk everywhere with Maria? She'll follow at an even pace with him when sprinting, but guides say that even a little too much space between them is 'separating.' So should I just walk everywhere to avoid being too far apart?
4. Lastly, no one seems certain if breaking windows around her hurts your chances at getting this ending. Does anyone know?
Thank you for your time, and any replies. It helps a lot.

[Hex: Cuse Me]

Most important things are always stay with her, don't let her get much damage and listen to all her dialogs even the optional ones. Use the ripe apple at the mirror puzzle and go through the door with the inserted scarlet egg after the 2 pyramid head boss fight at the end. Also just run fast through the long hallway after that and don't listen to all of Marys speech. This should be more than enough to get the Maria ending.

[Ñame Tieso]

1. Don't break windows or TVs when you are with her
2. When you first meet her go straight to the Motel, don't explore
3. Try not bumping into her so much
4. Stay with her and don't let her take to much damage.
5. Do not examine the Mary photo, Angela's knife, the napkin, Mary's letter
6. Don't be to injured to much time
7. At the hospital visit her a few times to her room after doing important stuff, for instance after taking your first patient bracelet
8. Visit her a few times when she is in the Cell.
9. Ignore Mary's speech near the end, go fast in the long hallway