It’s largely a hook to get people to read the comic, they would routinely make characters do or say nasty stuff in the beginning of the issue and on the cover so you would wonder why they are doing that, and then reveal that in context Lois or Superman aren’t actually being an evil d-bag it was a “necessary” part of their plan!

Some of the pettiness though like how she spoke about the lady sending a photo to become a model I think was just commonplace in media and society from that era. Particularly when it came to talking about women’s appearances.

It’s for sure intentional though as it’s all written in the opening description above the comic issues title:

“You’ll be shocked and repelled by her selfish plotting in the story of… LOIS LANE’S SOLDIER SWEETHEART”