I think that Alexis never connected with the character of Rory at all in AYITL. Not that I totally blame her....
I agree with this. Rory was very work shy in AYITL.
In all honesty though, I don't think that Lorelai had a good work ethic either as time went on. Even in the OS the only time I can remember her working hard was when she was getting the Dragonfly open.
I do believe that she had to have worked hard when Rory was little & that's how she became manager at the Independence Inn.