The only reason I see why an ATPL of any description being frowned upon, would be the management pilots haven't got one themselves.
An ATP/ATPL is no indication of intelligence. In the mid '70's when I did mine, a few of the candidates were still counting on their fingers. It is a sign however, a person has the determination to apply themselves, to absorb a certain amount of information and spit it out on demand within 12 months. Most of it had no application whatsoever to do with the job, when I sat mine. It is the authorities system for "weeding out". I am aware bush flying cannot be learnt in a classroom. If a company were to expand and get "heavy" equipment it would be smart for a company to have some crews with the licences to operate, rather than take "outsiders" to do the job, with no local knowledge for example.
The old story, if you haven't got the licence you wont get the job, period.