I thought Rogerson785 (and ChattanCat) had a great idea:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/b...426/index.html
Namely, to make a more substantial dress sporran chain. Here is a closeup of the one that came with my sporran (where the middle chain is the new one that will be replacing the old ones):

Notice how cheap and light the clasps are in the old chain. They are small and sharp and actually cut into or catch and snag a kilt! I did damage to a new kilt the first time I wore these!
So, for about $10.00, and an hour or so of tinkering around, I ended up with:

I am now ready for a night on the town without fear of doing more kilt damage...