Just to add to the information, I know the head brewer at a local microbrew who was trained in Germany. Pilsner is the only base malt they use for all their styles, regardless of the origin of the style. They make an award winning porter, pretty good IPAs and PAs all with the pilsner base malt.
Also, check out the video from David Heath on creating an American Pale Ale at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV7z3tse0-4&list=PLeY07JqsrXM_9GQQTZ5RJV2cXrmHXbE5x&index=3&t=0s and he talks about using a pilsner as a substitute for the pale ale base malt.