So, before you completely shoot this down with an immaculate amount of "Prestiges are closed" and etc, this is a thought on how we could go around training, not getting the prestiges themselves.
My idea was that once we get two or more, of a Prestige, then people can only train that prestige via those people. Of course, if one of those people quits or something, then one mayhaps learn via NPC. Same would work for absences. And, of course, people can still train via NPCs, but this would require a "no" from both current Prestiges, GM approval and a good, solid reason why your character wants this Prestige so bad.
Of course, you can't implement this now, but if for nothing else, hold it in the corner of your mind.
Training in-game, or just an involvement in IC training posts? The latter already does happen I think, but it didn't ought to be a requirement if you ask me.
Hrm, I think I might see where you're going with this. What I grasped was that when several people already have characters in that class, other characters would have to seek out those who already have the titles in order to learn, as a way to thin the number of a certain type of Prestige classes. While I agree this would be an effective way of doing that, I do see a few problems.
Teaching can be entirely different from learning. In the case of prestige titles, I would assume that just because a person has become a primal or a templar or what-have-you, it wouldn't necessarily mean that they would have enough knowledge or grasp of their skills to pass them along. Also, we must take into account that some of the character who do gain access to these prestige titles wouldn't be the teaching types.
Another problem that's evident to me is that it puts more power into the hands of the player while simutaneously burdening the GMs. By this, I mean the GMs would have to designate people to hold approval ovr others for prestige training which would take even more moderating and hassle, especially if somehow there were conflicts between the people.
Edit: For typos.
Well, yes, that's a good point. Maybe they wouldn't learn from them, but they could at least be given a few pointers on where to go.
If the person's not a teacher, then all the more fun trying to convince them to say yes to teaching you. The main thing for this, in my opinion, is that it would require people's characters, as well as the people to actively want this. It would take down the number of quitters, as well as getting more RP.
I don't think that the choice of who gets a class and who does not should depend on the character whom is such a class. This would put extra strain on those with the class and maybe cause drama when the characters are turned away for whatever reason.
Plus, for an example, if the only Necromancers on CotH hated Orcs and this Orc wanted to become a Necromancer, should we not allow them to become one just because the characters wouldn't teach or guide him?
While it is a good idea in theory, this would cause many problems. Personally, I don't feel it would be a wise choice.
Because of that it's probably good that we should still have the ability to NPC our training, or train on our own. Plus some of us might not stay dedicated to teaching the prestige, or real life things may come up.