[wagglycocks]

>I'm starting to think that the way out of this is guild-like structures where you qualify by producing a "masterwork" recognised as such by your peers. And then you don't have to prove yourself any more.

Isn't this essentially how PhDs are granted?

[dikaiosune]

Optimistically, yes. Realistically, it doesn't seem like it to me, and even when it is actually as described on the tin it doesn't seem super useful for predicting future performance.