Contrary to how standard zone based award charts fall apart in short distances (like the LAX - LAS example above), distance based programs excel in short - medium range flights. (milenomics.com)
Clearly if you live on the East coast, distance based programs like ANA can work out really well. (travelisfree.com)
You can also earn more miles, because ANA is still a distance based program, rather than revenue based (like United). (dreamtravelonpoints.com)