The idea of Leia going into hiding as a waitress is both amusing and classist (I believe it was intended to be based on the tier-conscious companion she had). The community's acceptance of her the next day was a warm-fuzzy touch that military/political space drama's need, IMO.
I think Zahn writes Luke pretty well in this, even if there's not a lot of time spent on Luke. He's still young and unsure and so incredibly earnest.
I'm most interested in where Mara is going here, is she starting down a path away from Palpatine? Her treatment of Tannis was surprising at this point in the timeline as I expected her to be solidly in Palpatine's pocket.