But this is nothing like "black IPA", which neither has anything to do with India, nor is it pale. I see a black witbier as something more like a Trois Pistoles clone, and that beer has been around far longer than any "black IPA".... unless you consider the fact that "black IPA" is really either just
A) an IPA with black food color,
B) an American stout, or
C) a really robust robust porter.
Dave, by your logic, a witbier ( often called a Belgian White ale) sounds kinda silly as a "Belgian Black White ale". So of course it's a misnomer, and is also dyed black for the sake of color.
Secondly, I've heard the American Stout argument ad nauseum. As someone who brews American Stout every year, there are few similarities other than color. American Stout is assertively roasty and (per guidelines) in aroma and flavor, and may have medium to very low late hop aroma. Black IPA has slight to no roast character and high hop flavor and high hop aroma. Not just semantics IMO. Not many people who try Wookey jack would confuse it with American Stout.
Lastly, I brewed maybe 4 or 5 black IPAs total, and posted today with tongue FIRMLY in cheek.
People should brew whatever sounds good to them, not us anyway.