LOVE the Hills!! I read an article awhile back about shows like "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills" (and 8th and Ocean, remember that one?!?) and the article stated that these shows are the "next generation" of reality shows. They seem scripted only because the producers intervene more than on other shows. Also, on LB, they only filmed from Thursday to Sunday every week. So if some drama happened on Tuesday, the producers would ask the girls or guys to "re-do" it in front of the cameras on Thursday.
Ever notice that when someone, say LC, would call Jason, the camera would be there when he took the call?!? That was planned. Also, if you watch these types of shows enough (and God help me, but I do!!) you will notice that they are almost laughing or giggling while talking. The article said that some of the 'characters' would get nervous or feel self-conscious when 're-living' something for the cameras.