I always liked Max. It was first a hold over from watching The 10th Kingdom. Anyone remember Scott Cohen as Wolf? But, I did like Max for himself. He had sort of a different style from most other GG characters. He could do quippy, but it wasn't the fast paced, snappy quippy. I'd say it was more of a gentle kind of humor. Smart, but without the bite. I love the snappy humor, but Max's kind fit him.
As far as him and Lorelai, although I would put her chemistry with Christopher above and beyond any, I think if there was one relationship I wish would have worked differently it would be her and Max. My favorite scene with the two of them was when Max was cooking dinner and not letting Lorelai help. And, my favorite Max scene overall is when he was interviewed by Rory.