I challenge the assumption that hard shell tacos are the "mass-market American taco" of choice. Unless they're just talking about Taco Bell, I don't think that

I challenge the assumption that hard shell tacos are the "mass-market American taco" of choice. Unless they're just talking about Taco Bell, I don't think that is true. If I went into a Mexican restaurant anywhere in the country and ordered tacos, I would be really surprised if they were hard shell. Not mad about it, but surprised. I think hard shell tacos with ground beef, etc., are a style of tacos you can make, but I don't believe they are the default anywhere I've lived.