Ah, Kendall, the 'fuss' is that advertising and commercial profiteering have foisted some abominable stuff off as beer & ale. It is often the case that folks will get 'used' to the mass-market stuff without realizing what it SHOULD be. Sometimes it is hard (in certain areas) to even find a decent selection to make comparisons.

It is a bit like eating plain white bread (Wonder bread is classic example in USA) and then discovering all the myriad types of preservative free whole-grain treats that can be found with a bit of trouble. Naturally, if price is important and the selection is limited, compromises must be made, but first, you have to KNOW what is available, and these discussions spread the word.

    For those who do care and enjoy the search for 'better', these discussions can help....

If you are happy with Heineken's and Fosters...fine....but you probably prefer them to Budweiser or Iron City- and for good reason. There are similar reasons to look even beyond Heineken..etc....but as you say, it IS a matter of taste...if you don't HAVE any taste, it doesn't matter....*big grin as I dodge behind the door*