Let's simplify the expression step by step:

(-2 + 17/12) / ((3/8) - (1/6)) - 3 + 1/4

To simplify the numerator first:

-2 + 17/12 = -24/12 + 17/12 = -7/12

Now, simplify the denominator:

(3/8) - (1/6) = (9/24) - (4/24) = 5/24

Now, substitute the simplified numerator and denominator back into the expression:

(-7/12) / (5/24) - 3 + 1/4

To divide by a fraction, multiply by the reciprocal:

(-7/12) (24/5) - 3 + 1/4
= (-7 24)/(12 * 5) - 3 + 1/4
= -168/60 - 3 + 1/4

Simplify the fraction and add the terms:

= -14/5 - 3 + 1/4
= (-56 - 60 + 15)/20
= -101/20

Therefore, the simplified expression is -101/20.