Remember though Galant, swords didnt evolve in a vacuum. Rapiers and small swords were developed for a very particular set of circumstances, that being fighting in very tight confines in an urban environment against and unarmored foe.

Rapier type swords never made it to the battlefield, rather it was sabers, backswords, and other cut and thrust types that ruled there. I think you'd be very surprised just how quite a two handed or even hand and an half sword can be also. They were made balanced and could dance in and out very quickly.

Utltimately though they were two completely different swords made for completely different environments. I think in the final equation it would come down to the skill of the swordsman more than to which type of blade they were using.

Now, back to kilts. I'm almost disconcerted seeing kilts becoming so 'fashionable'. They've survived as is for centuries and done just fine, and even things like Utilikilts are coming at the kilt from a practical angle, not pure fashion.
Once the fashion industry gets ahold of it they run to current fads, things that get dated quickly. Rarely is the quality or comfort there in order to make them truly worthwhile garments.

I hope they never get so popular that you can get one at any of the mass market chain stores. Once that happens the kilt as we know it will be over.