That certainly makes sense; it's quick and easy to throw it on and be done with it. I believe that form follows function, and that would be justly so in that case. However, I'm looking at this with a backpack in mind, and the box pleats seem like a good idea for doing so. Hopefully, I'll be able to test at least the wearability of a modern backpack with a belted plaid in a few weeks.

Cheers,
-Jake