Definitely recommend the Blackrapid. I'm not aware of any shoulder straps that use the regular strap lugs (although I've seen lots of people wearing the Canon strap across the chest). One issue I could see with a shoulder strap and the regular lugs is that makes it awkward to get the camera into shooting position. The upside down position with the BR strap is fast to lift to the eye.

About the tripod socket - what do you use it for? Do you actually thread your open socket onto the 1/4"-20 screw on a platform every time you shoot from a tripod? Or do you use a quick-release plate? (If you don't, I'd consider it!)

If you do use a QR plate, what kind? I used the Manfrotto RC2 plates for a while - in that case, BR makes a FastenR-T1 which replaces the Manfrotto D-ring (and is designed to support a load). You simply unclip the carabiner from the FastenR to mount the plate to the clamp. I had several of those, one for each plate. They were great, although the slight play between plate and clamp led me to Arca-Swiss type plates/clamps eventually.

Currently, I have Wimberley/RRS plates on all cameras and tripod collars. I attached the BR FastenR-3 lug to a Kirk 1" clamp (semipermanently with a bit of Loctite Blue), so I can easily move the BR strap connection point from camera to tripod collar or remove it to mount to a tripod/monopod clamp. It's a great system, IMO.