Dave, I guess we do have a problem with the language barrier.

What is confusing the hell out of me is that there seems to some sort of distinction being made that is coming out as "ale is not beer".   It has nothing to do with American or British brewing.   Ale is beer, pure and simple. Every country that brews beer would recognize that, yet there still seems to be a reluctance - even when you are supposedly ageeing with me.   Ale is a style of beer.

As to which brewing industry is doing a better job, it isn't age that determines skill. There are simply more craft brewers in the United States who are doing wonderful things with a variety of styles. Many styles that would have otherwise been forgotten have been resurrected. If you ever get to this side of the Atlantic, I will be happy to give you a taste test. I am sure if you tasted some of our pale ales, IPA's and bitters you would see the difference.