I am not defending LH.

Their (not mine) arguments is a different boarding systems by 'sectors': First (after children and handicapped) window, than middle seat, than corridor.

Also, a more or less stricter handling/allowance of hand-luggage makes it less difficult than average to store luggage even when boarding late.

In some other respects, LH is more 'tolerant' than (as an example UA) for other (partner) Star-Gold flyers, letting them check-in at their international first-class desks (UA doesn't allow other StarGold to use the 1K-check-in-line, nor the 1K lounges).