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"I believe that the pertinent question is ... Why should we believe that Joseph was a prophet of God ? What would lead us to this belief ?"

Excellent question.

When it comes to conversion, we want people to rely on God, not on man's understanding. Mankind is not in unity on the issue, and for every argument supporting one side of the question, there is a counter argument by the other side. Trying to reach the truth in this way would mean you would have to pick what person's to belive and hope you are right.

Instead, we say take it to God. We point to the truth of Book of Mormon as evidence that Joseph was a true prophet of God. If the BoM is the word of God, then Joseph is a prophet, if it is a fake, that would be proof he was a fake. Once again however, you can't rely on man's understanding and abiltiy to determine if it is true or not, again you would have pick one side and hope you got it right.

So how does a perons know if the BoM is true? Ask God, He knows, He wants you to know the truth of it too. The BoM promises: "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." That is the acid test.

Note the pre-condidtions however:
1) a sincere heart
simple curiosity is not being sincere, nor is a stubborn attempt to prove a pre-chosen result is correct. If you are willing to conform your life to what is true, even if it's the last thing you want to be true, then you are sincere.

2) real intent
It has to be important to you, something you are willing to work for if you have to. A person who rattles off one quick prayer and think that's all the effort it deserves doesnt' isn't really intent on getting an answer.

3) faith in Christ
I hope I don't have to define that for you.

So, if you really want to know if Joseph is a propet of God or not, and you really want to conform your life to the truth, (even if it means becoming LDS), then read the BoM with an honest heart and pray and ask God about it. We don't ask people to take our word for it, we ask them to find our from God and take His word.

Compare grig's suggestion to my comment:

***Instead, you claim Smith to be a true prophet based upon a burning bosom. And tell others if they were really sincere and really prayed about it God would confirm it. A convenient apporach to avoid any sober analysis of Joseph Smith's history and theology.***

Here's a better test...

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

The BoM, not to mention the Book of Abraham, fails the Acts 17:11 test.