So, Wright, Williams, Snap-on, ProTo, SK are all out for you. Cheaper asian sockets for the win!
In all seriousness, I hear ya. And don't disagree. Hazet is my favorite socket brand because, aside from size markings, they got it right. Ko-ken is very good, if they had knurling on their sockets theyd be damn near perfect. Which is surprising that they dont knurl their sockets as they have some of the best knurling in the business (extensions, ratchets)
I dont know why it's so hard to find a properly designed socket in the U.S.
Some years ago, this is what I learned:
In general, Taiwanese OEM/ODM's are asked by European and Japanese buyers to spec sockets that are more compact, more sleek, and lighter weight when compared to the North American buyers. What I mean by "buyers" is in other words "importers".
Importers from North America have different criterias to meet. One major difference that affects the spec of the tool is the lifetime warranty clause.
Japanese/European importers don't offer that kind of warranty, AFAIK.
NA importers want a tool that's less likely to break.
J/E importers favour a tool that's more user friendly.
Again, these are generalizations.
This was said by Factory Gear's president, who deals with Japanese, European, American tool brands, and their own in-house "Deen" brand that are produced by Taiwanese OEM/ODMs.