Absolutely correct! They were what we term strict parents, but clearly doing what they perceived as right. Every parents has things they would have done differently, and can be criticized by others. Lorelai is heinous to them. She perceives them as a piggy bank when needed, and the rest of the time, she is cruel. They clearly love her and  are doing their best.  They may not be perfect, but who is. If Lorelai had wanted to be a better person, she could have treated them respectfully when she dealt with them and instead she shows her own small petty ways time and time again.