There are exceptions (FedEx, UPS, etc).
But, as you say, "generally" it's a matter of prestige or status.
Although the job is almost the same, the payload of a passenger flight might be considered priceless while the load of plastic junk out of Hong Kong is, well, junk. So it's widely considered (but highly debatable) that the passenger pilot bears greater responsibility.
But I've never met one pilot who flew more or less professionally depending on what or who (if anything!) was strapped down behind him.
