I would be concerned about the sockets you bought that came rusted. Personally, if I buy something new, no matter what the cost, I expect it to be in pristine condition. Rusted sockets indicate to me an issue with those specific sockets, and something wasn't done in their production. Who knows what else was missed.
Similar to picking up an aircraft from a heavy check, and when going up front a ton (20-30) of circuit breakers are still open. You have to wonder, what else did the mechanics forget and am I OK with blasting off in this thing on a two hour flight in the 30k foot range? F-no!
In my large Cman set a few came rusted and in my older set a few were also rusting, out of the dozens that were fine. I swapped those out only because I was unsure of the rust creating any sort of weakness in the metal long term (10, 20, 30 years).
I don't think you are being a "polisher" but you are 100% right IMO to question the sockets that don't come looking perfect from the factory. I know just as much as you how much you work for your $$, and when you pay a premium (yes SK commands a premium) for a product you expect it to be good when you receive it.
It's too bad you can't just keep the sockets you like, and mail back the few rusted ones to get replaced.
But, like above if it's just 1 or 2 sockets, I would dunk them in a rust remover and once dry shoot some grey spray paint into the interior to stop any more rust from forming. That should take care of the issue, then enjoy your sockets.
I might wait a year or so then pick up that SK set if the kinks have been worked out, but for now my Cman's are working out just fine and for $1/pop I'm good with that price. For sockets, I won't ever pay more than what SK wants (and that is a stretch) because they are going to get real scratched up anyway. As long as the "Made in USA" is still visible I'm good!
