One of my mates here has ordered his first kilt. He decided to order from an Australian kiltmaker, even tho' I gave him details from both Bear and Cheapkilts sites.
Fair enough I guess.
He will be paying about $550Aus for his kilt and I'm sure it will be worth it, he said that his supplier says that anything less than an 8 yard kilt is a ladies pleated skirt, and a kilt that is not hand sewn he considers likewise.

I disagree with this view and appreciate Bear and Cheapkilts (and others) for offering alternatives.

Even if I had the money for a full worsted wool kilt, it would be so precious to me (and costly) that I would only wear it for special occasions.
That's not what I want out of a kilt, I want a kilt that I can feel free to wear hiking, working, sitting on the ground and mucking around in.