A little update here...

I took my kilt to William Glen & Son on Sutter in SF... and had a good experience, though I did go back for a fitting with the tailor himself and he said it actually didn't need to be shortened/hemmed at all but just made smaller... so the end result being buckles and straps adjusted to a snugger fit (much cheaper then the hemming), which did indeed bring the kilt up to the right length for me (right at the tops of my knees).

I also got a waistcoat to match a jacket and a proper kilt belt and buckle. I justified all this to myself by saying 1. I'm buying local and 2. I only need to buy it once... and 3. starting out in anything always (usually) requires getting the basics... and if I can afford starting with something decent, I won't feel the need to upgrade later so less of an overall outlay...

But great experience there and they were all friendly and helpful. I will certainly be bringing any other kilts that need adjustment to them.