It's just a bit of fun, 3bm!!
Some good points in there. I agree that if I get hold of a rare beer, I'm more likely to rate it highly because I don't want to be disappointed. I'm sure that's why Westvleteren XII, for example, gets such high ratings.
Oh I'm not cross or anything, stuff like this kind of reinforces the idea for many that the US think the planet ends at their border. Anyway when it comes to beer I pity them and their lack of top quality British bitter.
I'm in agreement with the rare beer stuff too, or indeed with some beers that get this mythical status, Westvleteren is a case in point (as you mentioned), the 12 is lovely stuff but the best beer in the world, no, same with Fin du Monde, Christ I waited years to try this, another the best beer in the world, and when I did it was alright but after the build up I was a bit disappointed really.
Anyway I'm having a Hook Norton Flagship later (from my cheap 'out of date in a bit' case) and I'll tell you now that it'll be better than more than one beer on that list. So.