Thanks Steve for that explanation, that's really what I'm looking for, to understand and know what makes them popular.

My problem, as you point out, is that I approach the UK with traditional thinking.
I'm still in the early stages of accepting plain kilts, I tried a Victory kilt and didn't like it, my next USA kilt will be plain, but traditional.

Don't get me wrong, I applaud UK and anyone else who is getting kilts on bums - that's what it's all about.
I may even buy one, one day, for the same reasons as Dreadbelly.