I dont find one superior to the other, just different. As an Aussie, I get both but have an overall preference for the British, "The Simpsons', "South Park", Frazier", "That's my Bush", had many inspired episodes but "Seinfeld" leaves me cold, as do all blacksploitation sitcoms.

I think the "Royle Family" , which you dismiss, is inspired (it is VERY British) as is a recent similarly slow-burn britcom called "Bedtime".

I have to confess that nothing I have seen has made me laugh as much as the "Romanian Orphans" episode of "Ab-Fab" or "The Germans"episode of "Fawlty Towers" (Well, maybe the 'Shut Your Fucking Face, Uncle Fucker' song from the South Park movie.)

So maybe you need to be poised between the Yanks and the Poms to appreciate both.