I realize this is adapted from the manga, and not the Japanese series Kieta Hatsukoi. That being said isn't Kieta Hatsukoi also an adaptation from the manga.

My understanding is gmmtv is adapting 9 volumes of the manga but if what I saw in Episode 3 is from the manga I can see why Japan left it out.

Why would Mudmee (Hashimoto) be coaching Atom (Aoki) on how to win a man when all she's doing is writing that man's name on an eraser.

Hashimoto and Aoki were adorable and wonderful because they were so inept in the romance department. They provided one another comfort and friendship and bounced ideas off of one another and supported each other. They were best friends once Aoki realized she would never love him and Aoki realized Ida was his love.
So in conclusion I think gmmtv did what it does best in it's remakes. That is cast a popular pair that has amassed a large fan base that supports them no matter what allowing them to serve "questionable" script that will be accepted without question because it's Gemini and Fourth.
I will not argue my opinion because that's all it is, is my opinion.