I was a Williams & Sonoma manager, as well as a catering manager/
sous chef a long time ago...When at WS, was able to purchase their Mauviel stainless set for an UNbeatable price. I know my pans and I love, love, love the Mauviel. Much stiffer than all Clad, better heat transfer and they wear like iron. Love them. Only downside is that this product, in stainless, is very hard to find here in the States (so I resort to All Clad, et al for 6 qt stainless sautee, etc)
PS there is, or used to be, a Mauviel outlet outside of Paris.
Good luck! Jen