I use Craftsman everyday, only broken a socket a couple times because I should have used a heavy wall impact socket instead of the regular thin walled chrome socket with an impact wrench. Right tool vs wrong tool.
Snap-On/MAC/MATCO sell many of the exact same tools that Sears sells (I mean exact same true mfg) yet for 3X the price. Simply unaffordable for most. I.E. Look at the snap ring pliers at Sears Craftsman and Snap-On, see any similarities? They exist inpart, due to extending credit to mechanics (On top of the high price) who simply buy into the idea that they are better.
When I visit my Mechanics shop, they have plenty of broken sockets (abused by being used with impact tools and not designed for it) and are waiting for the truck to replace it. Any thin walled socket is going to break or wear out eventually; just look at how thin the wall is at the corners of any brand. Nothing majical about the steel they all use. Sears is by far, the easiest/fastest/most convenient source for most of us. And still an excellent value. They push the design envelope as well as the other mfg. They are not perfect, Ive heard Sears now gives rebuilt ratchets to replace failed units, instead of new ones! I've seen salessman rebuilding the Ratchets. Sears used to sell a rebuild kit for 1 cent, very good policy. Never used the kits I bought, never needed. I'd refuse it if I ever needed one. Many times, when the right tool wasn't in stock, I was given a better one. I switched completely to the fully polished Ratchets and Wrenches and almost no cost.
Williams and S-K are a couple great brands too, mostly sold in the industrial market though.
I'll now step off my Genuine Craftsman Soapbox!
Yeah, I still Love Craftsman.