I think as a casual, light weight kilt you will enjoy the AK. In the absence of PK, the AK's are a good alternative at that price point.

I believe your reference to a Hem might be inaccurate. I understand a hem to be where the cloth is actually folded over and stitched onto itself so there is no frayed edge showing. last Time I saw an AK, the bottom edge was a cut edge with the "zig-zag" surge stitch run along the edge.

I questioned AK about this as well and they volunteered to hem it for me.

PS: To relieve the stress on the belt loops, you could get some sporran hangers made with D-rings instead of hooks that would allow you to hang the sporran from your belt rather than the kilt.