Can't create prefab in 5.3.x

Animated screen captures below:

5.3.1 fail:
http://i.imgur.com/EuP9I2j.gifv

5.2.3 success:
http://i.imgur.com/Y0xyFkf.gifv

I simplified my project into two sample fbx files and tested in 5.3.0 and the latest 5.3.1. As you can see, I can't create a prefab as I was previously able to do in prior versions of Unity (3.5 - 5.2.3). The workaround is to drag the asset into the Heirarchy window first, but our project depends on being able to create prefabs without the asset being in the hierarchy. Any clue as to why this is happening in 5.3.x? Expected fix anytime soon?

Very simple fbx assets can be downloaded from here, though this applies to all files so the files are not really needed:
http://ge.tt/3LggHBU2/v/0

 

Thank you for the quick reply, and for finding a way to fix the issue. We're anxiously waiting for your fix!

 

Assuming you mean selecting the prefab with the gray icon ("New Prefab" in the gif above), then going to the Edit menu and clicking Duplicate, no, that does not work around the issue.
The duplicate has a gray icon and does not contain anything, just like the existing prefab.

 

Yeah, the "Animation" item is an actual fbx file.

EDIT:
The animation.fbx file is just a coulple of joints (a.k.a., bones) in a simple parent/child hierarchy.

 

Patch 5.3.1p2 was released yesterday. Did this fix make it in that?

Release notes are not always comprehensives so I'd like to ask before downloading, installing, and updating.

 

Did the fix make it into Patch 5.3.1p3 released today? Again, didn't see any mention of it in the release notes. Sorry for the bother, this issue is preventing us from updating our project to 5.3.x.

 

5.3.1p4 include the fix for this? If not, is there an issue number I can reference?

 

Ok, thanks for letting me know. As I've already mentioned, we can't use Unity 5.3+. I appreciate your fix, but we're really hurting over here without the fixed build. It's been over a month already!