However, one can also argue that perhaps Rodney had a different life as well. The fact that's he's more confident socially I think stems from perhaps a better life. You see, since the episode is all we can really work with and is the only real 'canon,' we can go where we want why Rodney was a better dresser and more sociable. Being thrust into the leadership role, well...could have happened, or he could have had different life experiences as well ;)