In Europe, you need your cable to charge (as I understand it- it does make the EVSE less expensive, though). In the USA, the cable is tethered to the EVSE, so you do not need your own cable. So, assuming your cable locks in Europe (apparently they do), it also appears that they lock at each end...twice the opportunity to fail. I'd be really miffed if an EVSE 'stole' my cable making it impossible or very costly to continue on if I needed to charge somewhere else along the way. I think I like the J1772 standard better.
Trying to get all of the EU to agree on something is tough. SOme specifically wanted a shutter in the plug covering the power pins prior to insertion. Makes for a more expensive plug. Considering the protocol doesn't apply power to them until the plug is installed and the EVSE and the car each see the interlocks, it seems a bit excessive. And, the pins are recessed, so you'd really have to be trying to electrocute yourself. But, it is what it is and unlikely to change.