i agree, but you have to understand that people really, really, really like IPA's. they taste good and are generally brewed with high ABV meaning less money spent and less calories for a buzz. this is especially true when eating with your beer.
[0] For the record, Rogue's (not Stone's) Shakespeare Stout is still the kinglord of all beers.
in big cities this stuff just comes and goes in waves, it's like any other foodie-consumed product used to signal trendiness.
If you drink Michelob Ultra it is going to have less calories, but also a much lower ABV.
To get the same level of buzz you may be drinking more or fewer beers, but ultimately you are consuming about the same number of calories.
This is why low calorie beers are a scam. If you need to drink 3 of them to feel a buzz, then you consumed just as many calories as if you just stuck to regular light beer or drank a single IPA.
i think most people would prefer to drink one strong IPA than 3 or 4 michelob ultras for a variety of reasons.
Drink 2 Coors Lights, or one Sculpin IPA. Buzz and calories consumed will be about the same.
While fermenting the same wort for different lengths wouldn't necessarily change the total caloric content, not all beers start with the same amount of sugar.