I don't think the film explained this in a way that is easily grasped, mostly because they took too long to explain it and the definition got muddled. Here's a fresh walk-through:
First "the Pledge". This sets up expectation. Without expectation, nothing is possible. Without expectation people won't notice the bird disappeared in the first place. It's strange but true - it might be another week before they look back and think: "hey, did I see that bird fly off? I can't remember... ah well..."
"The Turn" is what is conventionally thought of as the trick itself. It is the technical illusion. The bird disappeared.
"The Prestige" is the signal to the audience that it's time to feel something. Up until that moment they aren't processing what they've seen. The bird disappeared... but they feel nothing about it. Nothing.
It is this state that is the entire point of having a Pledge or Turn in the first place. They are in a state of trance, waiting for a command on how to feel.
"The Prestige" is that command. In conventional magic the command is: "Ta-daaa!" translated from "be amazed!" Glory for the performer is secondary, but still exists. It builds his credibility, and makes future Pledges easier for the audience to accept.
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In our case the command is different, and so the results are different. Regardless, it is results that matter.
That's it in a nutshell.
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With regards to glory, we give "The Prestige" command is given anonymously, or from our "association". I agree with you whole-heartedly that we have no room for rock-stars.
With regards to which is most difficult... I need to disagree with you.
Performances are made or broken based on a properly delivered Pledge. It's hard for me to offer you proof, but if you've ever watched an amateur magician flop, this is usually why. By way of contrast, consider how much time successful magicians spend on this stage. Usually a lot.
Why? Proper expectation can get results from the audience even if "The Turn" is performed completely incorrectly.
It takes a great deal of skill with regards to pacing, voice acting, visual cues, and the like. Many are INCAPABLE of performing this part, or lack the creativity required. "The Pledge" is hardest, no question.
"The Turn" is complex only in that it takes some skill and will never, ever come naturally. I've never met anyone, however, who couldn't become a complete master of even the most technically complex Turns after a few days of repetition. Designing an original Turn is tricky, but once you've learned a dozen or so your creative juices start flowing and it gets easier.
"The Prestige", I've seen screwed up. Badly. This is usually due to anxiety on the part of the performer. Screw up this part, and the whole enterprise wasn't worth doing.
Having said that, it isn't all that difficult. With some minor coaching, planning, and practice, this part becomes the most instinctive portion of the routine.
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