I popped for the $45 last night and ordered a Black Stewart from KL Kilts' eBay store. Lots of positive eBay feedback and I've wanted an inexpensive Black Stewart for some time. They have a leather/buckle closure on either side, belt loops and there's no velcro involved. It sounds to me like it's comparable to a SWK thrifty but with the closures and belt loops. And I thought, at that price, it's hard to go wrong.

Since I haven't seen a KL Kilts review and didn't turn up anything in the search function, I'll let you know what it's like once I get it.