And yet rings actually use
more copper in practice.

Rings make almost no sense for the purpose they were originally developed for; to supply portable, high load appliances. Properly designed rings
may, however, be suited to fixed loads, such as encountered in a kitchen, where the load distribution can more safely be assured.
The radial circuit has always been available to discerning and intelligent designers... just a shame that so many electricians believe, as you did until now, Watte, that sockets must be on rings.