Very True OC Richard! What I find even more amazing is the differences in shading within the same mill for different weight materials. Mill to mill differences are more understandable to me due to all of the variables relative to dye suppliers, wool grades etc. It seems though that the same tartan by the same mill, only in different weights, would be much more similar to each other than some of the examples I have seen. (Lochcarron's Macmillan Old Weathered Reiver vs Strome for example). My only uneducated guess was that perhaps the lighter weight fabrics, being targeted at ladies skirts, may reflect a palate more in line with their tastes. Again, a purely uneducated guess based on the pinkish lavender stripe of the Reiver example. If I can endure the wait, I will hopefully follow the advise of many on this site and get swatches before making a purchase.