If you read the full definition I posted, Ron, you will see that the writer agrees with what you say. So do I. At the end of the definition it says, "Nowadays ale is used to refer to top fermented bitter (British) beers, as compared to bottom fermented lager (American, German, Australian, etc.) beers. That meaning would not have been valid in Pepys' time as true lagers only appeared in the 19th century". Which I would also agree with.

I am not sure of your statement - "Wrong! Ale is beer." though. It suggests that the American language definition and by association your own is somehow better than anyone elses. I am sure you are right and I have no wish to argue personaly but to argue with the generic 'Brit' that either the American language or American brewing industry is somehow better than the longer established English one is, in my opinion, somewhat foolhardy:-)

Cheers

:D