I brew as well and just had a conversation today about the amazing consistency of the mega-brewers. Terrible beer but great engineering. Regarding the German purity law.
I love many German beers, but have a special place in my heart for Belgian beers. They frequently stray from the strict water, malt, good, and yeast regimen with fine results.
I too love the Belgians. Six times I went to Brussels for the Beerfest in the Grand Plas. 300 Belgian beers for 3 days.
The Belgian Ales are as far away from the Purity Law as American Lagers.
They all taste like a spoiled barley wine or triple bock to me.
With notes of rubber and copper and bleach.
In addition to yeast, they allow whatever bacteria is floating in the night air to contaminate the beer...through open fermentation.
Please, feel free to take my share.