I won't knock anyone who has them, but I think they are a budget item that would be a good choice for light wear or for a pipe band on a budget. I'd be afraid they wouldn't hold up so if that was my choice I would stick with the good off-white hose I wear.
Trust me, they're not a budget item. I would classify the tartan/diced hose from Higgins as "budget", but the Tartan Thistle Hose are well-made. They're not hose from Cullin Craft, but they're not cheap either.

Granted, I don't wear mine as much as you do, but in the three years I've owned mine, they're holding up very well.

So, to use an old phrase around these parts, "don't knock 'em 'till you try 'em".

T.