I really dont think that BTECs should be looked down on, they are probably one of the best entry levels into employment(for people who choose not to go to uni) as they are vocational qualifications and teach you work related skills for a variety of jobs in a chosen sector.
Also they can get you into university, not only that if you take a similar subject at university they are really good preparation, and for some subjects they prepare you better in my opinion.
I did a BTEC Extended in IT and it was taught by the same teachers as A level and covered the same content as similar A levels in the same department, I got into a good university and currently study Computer Science and so far this term I have achieved firsts in every test and coursework (except one which was a 2:1) as the course content and style of learning i have found to be very similar.
i dont know how else to compare apart from judging by my own experiences so far, people will say that they shouldn't be equal qualifications but I have no reason to say they shouldn't, They prepared me well for uni and I feel confident that if i didn't go to uni i possess the relevant skills to get a job or apprenticeship in the IT sector.