Is it true - as it seems - that the UKers use a lot more INSTANT coffee than we in the States do?

It is certainly true that in the UK we drink a lot of instant coffee. I drink both instant and real, but regard them as distinct drinks. A good instant brand may be nothing like real coffee, but can be a pleasant drink in its own right. Cheap instant, on the other hand, is often foul from both perspectives.

As for real, depending on whim and the number of thirsty people I use an Italian style espresso (bought and instructed upon by my Italian daughter-in-law), one of several sizes of cafetiere, or a cona-style machine capable of steamed milk enhancements ... but its usually too much faff and I go for the instant!