There are lots of 1/4 drive tools that show up on ebay with mangled square drives. So i think the folks saying 1/4 impacts are "worthless" are overlooking this point.
Most of the battery operated 1/4 impact tools have chucks not a square drive. (google it here )If it didn't have an easily replaceable 1/4 drive, sure then i'd consider softer sockets.
Looking at the video reviews of compact 1/4 drive battery impacts most cant do over 15-20 ftlb even though the specs say double that. Is that gonna deform hardened steel. Nope unless yer abusing it esp. when you should be using something bigger to keep it spinning instead of hitting. Air tools are something else and there i'd be more worried about blowing out small fasteners than the socket /drive end. You have to look at each application in detail , not using generalities. EDIT>This isn't directed to you in particular, but you've brought up a very valid concern. IMO 'Joe Sixpack' (in most cases) could safely use 1/4 chrome sockets on his new 1/4 impact.
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