RRAMJET,
I agree that flying in the US is a hell of a lot easier than flying in the UK because of the leniancy and the more friendly manner adopted by everyone involved in flying or aviation. That's what makes it much more fun to fly in the states.
However, we are talking about skills and knowledge. I guarantee you a British Pilot would run cirlcles around a US Pilot when it comes to knowledge. As for flying, there could be arguments both ways.
I have flown in the US for 3 years and in the UK for 2.
I have experienced the UK Flight Training to be much more intensive and stringent compared to the US.
I am also aware of the type of airline orals which are administered in the US. I agree that the orals may be more intensive than some of the UK airlines. However, there are UK airlines who have more intensive orals than the US majors. It's not a question about oral questioning (Since that depends on the interviewers knowledge) but rather about the amount and type of knowledge obtained during your training and career.