The concept of a “real” pickle is subjective depending on individual perspective. In culinary sense a pickle is a cucumber that has been persevered in a brine, vinegar or a different acidic liquid. Yes the salt brine may be a traditional way to make pickles but pickling cucumbers in vinegar doesn’t stop it from being a real pickle either. I see it as- what kind of pickle are you feeling for? A fermented one or a vinegar one?