Learn English – meaning of “a long way from being”

The correct grammatical sentence, with all the deleted, understood stuff [in brackets], would probably be reconstructed along these lines:

• [That is] [*the*] way [in which] [for one/you] to VP.

Phrases like Way to go! result in maximum deletions, through various rules, but the Relative Infinitive construction the way to do V has a rather specialized sense, of being (in this case) not just the way for you to do it, but rather the way it should be done, generically.

There's always a deictic modal flavor of "oughta, shoulda, gotta" with relative infinitives. Which is why it's a compliment; it says you're not just good, you're the best there can be.

As requested, a simple explanation. Judges sit not so much on a literal bench as at one; behind a long, heavy table, often raised from the rest of the court (compare a workbench; a carpenter or welder would be surprised to be given padded seating). The reason is partly historical, partly so that a panel of several judges can sit close enough to consult if necessary, and partly practical; litigants (including lawyers) are frequently disgruntled, but this way they cannot push the table over or physically attack the judge, which would involve a lengthy prison sentence.

The Bench is thus the distinguishing mark of judges, as The Bar is for advocates, arising from the former practice of lawyers standing within a bar in the courtroom, while laymen stood outside. A law student who passed his exams was called to the bar, and became a barrister.