Bugbear,
It's a great question you pose. I just received my Newsome box-pleat and it was for the historical nature of the kilt that I chose to own this style of kilt. Yes, I have 8'ish-yd knife pleat. Your question has encouraged me to do some more reading and especially re-read Matt's article.

Love the box-pleat. It seems balanced, practical, a little more economical and quite comfortable to wear even though in modern times it bucks the trend.