Well, having done a BSc and then ATPLs, in my view, the amount of work put into the ATPL's was almost comparable to a BSc but, ...more intense in terms of timescale and pressure, given what was at stake.
I have friends who were doing BA's (in some pretty naff subjects),at the same time as my ATPL's and I would have swapped their workload at a drop of a hat!!
One day, and probably not in our lifetime, our efforts will be given the respect they deserve!!