Re: Signs Of Judgement day…
Mother’s status is higher over wife but that does not mean one should be abusive to his wife or treat her bad. A man is not allowed to disobey his mother at any cost except if she is making him go agaisnt Islam whereas husband and wife have equal rights on each other (to some extent) so the husband can disobey wife but depends what the situation is. I know its hard for women to understand so maybe thats why it bothers you but no one can do anything about it because these are the laws of Allah :swt: and they are for our benefit. I’d say accept them with open heart instead of questioning Allah :swt:. The sign is being mentioned as when men will start giving prefrence to their wives over their mothers.
Fast forward to the future and see yourself as an old lady and living with your son who is married to a beautiful lady, and your grand kids playing around you. Your son comes home in the evening and takes care of you before he spends time with his wife… :). Wouldn’t you be the luckiest mom on earth during such time? 
The other question you had about distance I think its not something being as bad but a sign to let us know that how close we are to the day of judgement otherwise people could have invented airplanes way back. Every creation has its end time, its just a sign to let us know end time is closer and than there will be no more chance(s).