So? US is a FEDERAL country. Meaning each state possesses certain degree of "independance". In the (blessed) state of California, for example, u ain't allowed to smoke cigs anywhere indoors. So, couple month ago I almost lost my jacket in one of SF bars due to this stupid rule. In other states, TX for example, you could carry a gun around, even though it is fictiosly illigal, nobody would care too much. So, then, why are you suprised and expect things to be fair over all states? When going for work sposored GC, first u have to ask state, whether they consider your skills unique in that state (notion of "site of work" rings any bells?), hence, some states are slow, some faster. It's a package deal.
Although, I tend to agree there gotta be some kinda reasonable borderline there. I mean, 2-3 year lag between approval times it simply ridiculous.