G'day guys thanks for the input. With the tapered issue , if i grab the section wher the pleats have been sewn down I can actually hold them out about an inch, that is probably due to the fact that the kilt is about an inch too big in the waist. I will modify it by moving the front right belt clip further over to the right so that I can wrap the kilt around me tighter I think that will solve ther problem. At the moment the kilt gathers at the waist when i put it on. As to the tube look of traditional, I dont think that will happen, I also plan to put quite a feww more pleats in it than the amerikilt has I like the way the stillwater kilts have so many pleats. I love the blackwatch tartan, My mum's side of the family were Lindsay, but not sure wether their tartan would suit me will check it out.
Thanks again Andrew