This distinction has traditionally never been very important in Germany, so people didn't habitually make the distinction.

That's exactly the point: you have no idea about usage and connotations in German, but still consider yourself an expert who should have the power to prescribe a foreign language.

As an aside: we're also lumping together (dancing) balls and (foot)balls. And lots of other things.

And how do we survive that? Context.

I was clearly replying to "Although entire languages get it wrong - in German [...]".

The poster I was replying to was claiming that other languages are wrong.

And I resent your accusations.

Maybe you can see the problem if I explain it in this way: you can become British (meaning "UK-ish"), but you cannot become English.

Not only is it technically wrong, but it also contributes to perpetuating the dominance of England over the other parts of the UK.

I try to clear midconceptions/misunderstands of other countries when I know better, I would invite you to do the same now you know more :)

Hopefully I can soothe some your resentment of my accusation too - I have been learning about Germany and the forms it existed in before the unification of the states in 1871 - the culture goes back a lot further than this, I am currently learning German and planning an extended tour by bicycle (when I have learnt enough) so I can get more deeply into this topic.