How do you deceide....

[RockyR]

On which Kilt maker?

The wife has authorized my use of my yearly bonus for the purchase of a Brown tartan "tank". (First year that I can remember that the money wasn't to be used to fix something in the house)

By reading everyone's reviews of various traditional kiltmakers, one would think any would do.

I plan on using this kilt to begin the path of replacing my suit, i.e. adding an Argyle jacket, formal sporran and the like as funds become available.

I'll excuse myself from replying to the first part of your post, but will address the second...

That's how I started... bought a kilt and got more and mroe of them. Work you way into it slowly by buying 1 accessory at a time (or more if funds allow) and you'll soon find yourself without a suit. I haven't worn a suit to any "dressy functions" in years b/c anywhere you can wear a suit, you can wear a kilt and jacket just as easily.