I was. I spent years trying to find an affordable kilt. Finally I got somewhat lucky. I bought an ex-hire (but never worn) from Thomas Gordon in Glasgow. I paid under $300 for it. I kind of felt the same way about Utilikilts (seemed a lot of money for something I would only wear occasionally), but I decided to bo for it. As I type I an wearing he first UK I bought (almost 4 years ago). And it still looks in better condition that any pair of jeans I ever had longer than six months.