You say that, but in a different model, LH operate really short sectors, such as NUE-FRA and STR-FRA feeding their hub. It is amazing considering the ICE rail connections from FRA's front door to both cities, but for whatever reason it fits LH's model, and LH make money.
Just checked on great circle mapper, remarkably short sectors, similar to MAN-NCL, but also LHR-NWI and LHR-BHX. The latter was a BD route back in the day (1990s?).