I am sorry to hear that you don't think a waistcoat works well with an open Balmoral. I will give that further consideration. Have you tried a variety of your lovely waistcoats (the tartan, 3-button barathea and 5-button barathea)?

Indeed, this raises a related issue--what is the better waistcoat for us fuller men? I love the bias-cut tartan look and am having one made at this time. But black is said to be more slimming than a color which draws attention to the midsection. And, amongst black barathea versions (or bias-cut, for that matter), does the three button or five button work better for our ilk?

Back to the doublet issue, at this time I think I am torn between the Balmoral and a Regulation doublet. In all likelihood I would not choose velvet for either. I like the look in everyone's Balmoral (Nathan, PlaidPreacher, and Rothesay) but warmth seems to be a factor and velvet may exceed my elegance threshold ("A man's got to know his limitations.")

Thanks to all for your input. Given the dearth of highland clothiers in the Washington, DC area, your comments are invaluable.