Cary,
Good question and good to hear from you. I agree with Okiebass. Here in Oklahoma, any sunfish, according to the majority of the bass and cat fisherman around here are "perch". It's the generic name they all use. The only time I've ever heard the term "brim" is in the South.
What say you? As traveled as you are I'll bet you can answer the question. What's biting now in your part of the world? I know you're catching something.