JetHeat - I hear your quals and I'll raise you five:
Ex-RAF, ex-USAF exchange, ex-UK regional, Ex-Cathay, now US major. OK?
What a load of tripe this thread is; it should be hermetically sealed. Unless you've flown for both's militaries and both's major carriers you really have no clue on what you're talking about when it comes to professionalism comparisons.
There are good and bad for both systems. I guarantee that most US pilots would struggle through the JAA exams ( and wonder about their relevance ). I am also absolutely certain that most BA or Cathay folks would find a US Major Airline type oral and checkride a shock ( and just as demanding ).
The US just doesn't put as many obstacles in the way of obtaining your licenses - the major's examine your knowledge at the interview board several years down the road. No 200 hr pilots in the biggies here.
And yes, I've cringed at my fellow Brits sounding lost and mis-pronouncing places over here, and also cluttering the radios with precise dictation. You can tell straight away the long-timers in BA - they blend in seamlessly at JFK/ORD/LAX or where-ever. Then again, that's my point. If you've spent all your time in a different system, you're bound to sound a little hesitant in another if you visit it only occasionally. With the rapid movement going on at the US carriers the overseas experience level is being diluted as many intl FO's are moving to domestic Capt. But I will say that the some of the best "polers" I've seen are over here - I think it's because they get more chance to hand-fly due to more visual days.
Endless Cat III's into LHR don't help your handling skills.
And as for the wind-up merchant who started this thread: grow up. Post your experiences of the rest of the world, so that we can all judge your background.