>> The problem is that there is almost no barrier to entry for nanodegrees.

I'm a hiring manager and have also been in senior manager roles (directing overall department build-outs) and I dont see it as a negative. It is a slight positive for me:

- Barrier 1: Interest (positive)

- Barrier 2: Sufficient motivation to complete, however easy (positive)

This said, I've encountered some managers who see it as a negative because they think individuals who sharpen their saw are 1. more likely to progress and move on and 2. distracted from working 24/7 on the job. I think this is positive -- you probably want to filter out such managers anyway!

Yes but the problem is that barrier to entry is proportional to prestige so there is very little prestige associated with nanodegrees. Whether it's right or wrong companies care about prestige. Not all of them of course but I have found this to be true for the most in-demand jobs.