Like I said, Braun received 15 extra games than the collective bargaining agreement mandates (so there is precedence for additional games). Dependent upon what the evidence shows (i.e. if Alex knowingly tried to obstruct MLB's investigation by purchasing and destroying evidence damning to his case), that I would believe would constitute an extensive suspension. But again, it'll depend on the evidence to determine if an additional 112 games is fair or not.

As for the difference, 162 games is a full season and I think it sends a message to other would be cheaters. To miss out on an entire season is a much bigger deal than 50 or so (just as cheating and purchasing then destroying evidence is much bigger than just cheating). And it's more of a compromise than a lifetime ban.