Do you really think the only thing that creates a highly skilled and safety conscious pilot is by making the ATPL ridiculously difficult, not to mention expensive, to obtain?
British pilots are just pissed off because in America an eager pilot can gain their licences and a large ammount of flying experience in the time it takes you to pass your bl**dy navs and techs.
I have flown in the states for the last two years, accumulating 2000 hours instructing and flying charter in twin pistons. I am in the UK now wrapping up my ATPL and it disgusts to think that I am in the same boat as 250 hour pilots who would **** themselves if they ended up on the inside of a cloud with an empty right seat.