What a discussion! I read all of this. In my opinion, the main subject is not about beer. It's about "fashion snobbery" dictate, that have long been plaguing every other aisle of "artisanal business" and now plagues the craft beer industry as well. It's about craft brewers' preference to cater not to the broader base of their customers, but to a tiny (but extremely vocal) niche of hipsters, because the hype is the easiest way to cut costs on advertising.
Hazy Hoppy Ales just happened to be the banner of that change. It could be any other style, with which to employ the new advertising tactic.
That's why I (having nothing against hazy hoppy ales and somethimes brewing them myself for the change of pace, though preferring classic clear English and American IPAs) am strongly against the changing attitude in the business, which goes against what the craft beer movement have been all about for decades... So, list me in the "haters" club. And it's not hazy beers that I hate. MIPACA!
Yes, they will call the style "India Pale Ale" whatever we say here. It's a very well-working "generic trademark", after all. Unless, of course, some day they deem the mention of India politically incorrect and racially offensive, which well could happen in the near future. Then the style might be renamed.