Actually, looking at that IEC plug the current recessed CEE 7/7 compatable outlets are actually superiour in so far as they don't require sheathed pins on grounded and larger appliences. (i.e. where 16A schuko or contour plugs are used) This surely means that you've got a bigger surface area of pin to connect with and less chance of poor connections / hot pins.
BS1363 plugs have this problem! As the socket outlets, particularly the cheaper ones, get older the spring-contacts start making less contact with plugs resulting in hot pins and even damage to the outlets / plugs.
This may be more common in Ireland where the voltage is lower (typically reads 220 - 228V) In the UK it's just that little bit higher.#
Also, I can see no problem with a "decent" sized plug. At least people have no problems pulling them out / getting a grip on them and they're sturdy enough to support the large number of plug-in xformers and other devices that we all use thesedays!
