Ale does NOT by definition have more distinctive flavor. There is a perception that it does, but I have had ales that taste like swill and lagers that are very complex.

As Eric has pointed out, lager has been closely associated with the multinational crap (can you say Budweiser?) and now everyone thinks that is how a lager is supposed to taste.   There are many craft brewers here in the U.S. that make very interesting lagers, and they are not meant to be served ice cold.

"Real Ale" has become another stereotyped term and those behind the folly are doing the same type of marketing that Budweiser does - create an image and "educate" the ignorant as to what they think they are drinking.

Ron