Unless the ribbon controller's midi output can be made interpolate the 'meta' pitch between the notes by adding pitch bend messages or similar, using the controller to produces midi notes will create a glissando effect where the pitch will step in semitones.
I've seen ChipAudett's post in the P6 section. He developed a system where the note on data is sent when the ribbon is touched (so the ribbon is divided into fixed notes covering about 2.5 octaves) Pitch bend data is sent as you slide from that note position on the ribbon. Pitch bend range will obviously limit how far you can slide. Also you'll have to use a sound with good sustain level, because once it's triggered (at first press) you won't get another trigger until you lift off your finger and press again.
You are right about the fact that using the ribbon to send midi notes would result in glissando, and not a fluid glide. But there might be workarounds. You already discribe one: what you describe about using it to control pitchbend is possible with the doepfer according to the manual, but indeed limits you to the pitchbend range of the prophet.
There might be other possibilities, but I can't try them out. You can turn off oscillator keyboard tracking on the prophet, and I suppose (not verified) this also turns off midi-note tracking. The doepfer can be configured to send cc-messages as well. If it can send a note on and other messages simultaneously, you could assign it to the midi-control number for osc frequency. But even if this works, it will be harder to play in tune, and the effect will depend upon the midi-resolution. Perhaps using the pedal/cv input, in combination with midi-note triggers could work.
I know, a lot of ifs. Somebody would have to try it out to confirm...
Edit: Maybe I am way overthinking this. Turning on oscillator glide and using the doepfer for midi note messages might just work smoothly.
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