I was just thinking about my dress shoes. Very similar to my Army low quarters but with a plain toe cap. Simple, goes with everything I have and have served my well for the past 18 years and resoled once. I'm ashamed to say I wasted $65 on those affordable shoes when I could have spent more.

What I'm getting at is that price is not locked point for point with quality. Nor is price necessarily an indicator of quality. I honestly expected 10-12 years tops from them. Guess I took better care of them than I thought.

"Gateway" items are all over. People will tend to take the little leap if they can before the big plunge.

I apologize if I've come across as cranky. I admit I have a negative reaction to apparent elitism or someone looking down on others.

i for one love the Idea of pockets on kilts, and plus whatever on more 16oz PV tartans.