Yup. Wrapped too tight around the hips is usually the reason why pleats in the front will bend. That will happen on traditinals as well as neo's.

As for the "A" look... that's AmeriKilt and UtiliKilt. Unlike the hords of tartan manufacturers, this is a great look and niche that they've developed.

I've found with my AmeriKilts, that you should just wash them, and then hang-dry them over a shower curtain rod (or the likes). In most cases, the pleats will settle where they need to be. It can be VERY tough to find where the taper needs to be when ironing the pleats in the right place!!! And that comes from a kiltmaker!!!

In time, you'll see from wear, exactly where the pleats are going to fall into line. Then you iron like a maniac.