Another approach that I see here is, if a person is just starting out kilted and is building a clothing collection which direction should they go? If they get a tweed Argyle jacket or one of it relatives what would you suggest?

In the states a black suit coat/sports coat would cover a lot of ground. I've seen them worn with sport shirts (knit and collared), dress shirts (button front and collar) I've even seen them worn with a pleated tux shirt and bow tie. I think the tux shirt was pushing it a little, but if it is what you have.

If you limit a black argyle to a white shirt I think it makes it look to formal even without a tie. I also think that a white shirt does not look good with all tartans. IMHO the mass of white can overpower some tartans.

Ideally I would have at least three argyle jacket in tweed or colors, two black, one silver button one black buttons, and a PC. I would make sure that they work well with my 95 different kilts and 297 pairs of hose and flashes. I forgot that I would have the upstairs made arrange the kilts, the down stairs maid brush the jackets, the butler lay every thing out. Hold it I work for the US Government I can barely afford the five kilts I have.