It seems to me that it would take slightly more cloth to pleat to the sett as opposed to the stripe, as you have to go over that little extra bit to continue with the pattern. Granted, it's only a matter of a couple feet, if that, spread over 20-30 pleats, but the excuse of pleating to the sett taking more cloth just doesn't hold up to mathmatical scrutiny.

Excellent kilt, too I'm quite jealous.