this is such an underrated episode in my opinion. i love when we get to learn more about lorelai’s backstory and her life before the show!
as far as emily buying the inn goes, like you mentioned, lorelai wouldn’t want that for several reasons. not only symbolically would it bother her because it was the only place she found comfort and solace in after growing up in her parents house that would now be connected to her mother, but she’s also terrified of being indebted to them forever. she doesn’t trust them to not hold it over her head and attach strings, and she’s not wrong at all. they always have to add conditions. they rarely ever do anything just for lorelai’s sake.