I always gathered that Galbedir was the worse of the two. But that's probably because we don't get the option to help her.
She stole Ajira's reports... "Yes, I have won the bet. I know where Ajira's stolen reports are. This should prove once and for all that the Bosmer are better thieves than the Khajiit."
And Ajira sabotaged her experiment with the fake soul gem you place.
And from Ranis: "Yes, I know all about their bet. I did the same things when I was an apprentice. You might as well do what Ajira asks."
They're both being petty. But, yes, I think it'd be interesting to get to help Galbedir. And no, I don't think anyone is going to punish Ajira for meddling, since it's commonplace and well accepted.
And maybe Ajira isn't being lazy but genuinely can't spare time to go pick flowers herself since if she leaves, Galbedir will likely crush all her ingredients, or hide her REPORTS, or something like that.