How big are your pints?
If I'm out to get hammered (which isn't often, lately), I stick with whiskey & vodka shots. It's more efficient!
If I'm out to be social, I'll moderate my alcohol intake accordingly..
My optimal pint intake is about 3-5 pints.. Any more than 6-8 and the experience stops being enjoyable and you end up throwing up on the couch and passing out.
Having said that, I can consume great amounts of straight whiskey without passing out. That's how I view it really: beer is there to be savoured.. if you really wanna get wasted, you go for the shots.