I'll chime in here. don't know about prestige, but I think it's more name recognition & history which makes them respected. AF is one of the biggest asset managers in the world, and they have some of the oldest funds in the world (investment company of america). the returns are not out of this world for the entire firm, but ICA has had over a 12% return since inception 80 years ago. while that's an extremely long time and a very opportune time to start investing in US equities, it's still impressive in my opinion. other examples are american mutual (11% yoy since inception in 1950, one of the first non tobacco/alcohol funds), AMCAP (11% since inception 1967), and EuroPacific is one of the older (Brandes global equity is oldest I believe) international funds (also 11% yoy since inception 1984).
I agree, those are not insane returns, but I think compounding at 10%+ over 30, 40, 60, 80 years is a surefire way to financial independence. as far as analyst work, I'd bet that you would get more exciting work at a deep value/distressed shop than somewhere like AF where the process is pretty plain Jane.