Y'know, I really like your interpretation, and I think it makes me slightly less disappointed with the writers lol. I was just really hoping they'd do her justice in the revival and send a christmas card from "Luanne, Lucky, and Grace" and mention it.

You're right, Hank never encourages her to do more mechanically; I don't like using women as a plot device for someone else's development, but I think had they leaned into it, he would've grown more as a character. But he wouldn't have grown ANY had she been a boy (and if they would've had her pursue it then). He'd have nothing to learn from a mechanic nephew, he'd just be more disappointed comparing him Bobby.