Sounds like you just had "one of those days" Trumpy. At least you found the exact position of the short ! I think its about time for another one of those " Describe your DAY FROM HELL" threads.
As for your mates floor sockets, if they havent got a switch then they must be fine. Like you said, the modern plastics are very tough and I think they are probably more impact resistant than some of the die-cast "sh*t-metals".
Its a very American idea to have floor-sockets for table lamps which are switched at the door-way for living areas. These coupled with wall lights are very nice in living areas.
If I ever win Lotto and can afford to build my own house then that would be how I would wire my living area lights.
