perhaps the answer ...
is for the bar to be replaced at it's previous level by the regulatory bodies.
The bar used to include minimum experience levels just to take the written exams for cpl issue, one was not allowed to take the ATPL exams unless you had at least 700 hours ... in other words, you had to go and do them all again so it was as well to know your subject.
Sorry if that offends some people, but the profession has to return to a quality driven model rather than a quantity driven one.
Not sure about "prestige" in the thread title, it ain't ego driven, fact is that the good should come through to the industry joining an airline flight deck as captains in training ... based on ability, aptitude, and a decent level of experience.
Just my thoughts, but I suspect I am not alone.