Due to the new LH M&M rules starting Sept. 1st 2000, german members still need 150,000 status miles to qualify for *Gold, but they achieve this by flying "only" 120,000 status miles ( 120K + 25% FTL/SEN bonus = 150K ).

AC members need less miles for *Gold, but become only 500 miles for short coach flights, when LH basic members get 1,000 minimum miles (FTL and SEN get 1,000 + 25% = 1,250 miles) also for discounted rates !
Note that AC members flying LH metal don't get so much miles...

Some programs give only +50% for Business, LH gives +100% (FTL and SEN bonus not included!).

It's very difficult to find out which StarAlliance program is the best to reach/maintain *Gold status.
LH was worth than other * programs, so they introduced this FTL/SEN bonus last year.

I think it's correct that *Alliance programs remain different, because the "profile" of the domestic flights are different. Germany is a small country, all domestic flights are "short haul" flights, and they are expensive.
Canadians and Americans usually fly long distances for cheaper rates !