My question is that are "Equivilents" frowned upon?
Sometimes. The problem is that many are too new for employers to know about, or know what the quality of them actually is. Not to mention that they seem to change every 5 years on what is actually equivalent. On the other hand, there are enough employers who care more about you having a licence for it not to be a huge worry...so long as you are a competent and able pilot.