Yes, MacPherson has a lot of tartans to choose from, it's true, but the one they mostly wear is probably not one you'd choose if you had no contact with the Clan. Personally, I think writing the Chief is a great idea. It will give your kilt that extra dimension of affiliation, even if you aren't MacPherson by birth. Their Highland history is interesting; they have an active, illustrious Chief who is welcoming (as far as I can tell their Chief is always known as Cluny). If you learn more about MacPherson, you will soon learn they are part of the larger, ancient Clan Chattan Confederation from Inverness-shire. There are many other Clan Chattan folk here (myself as a MacBean included). I'd say the more interest you show in Clan MacPherson the more you will enjoy your kilt, and the more at ease you will feel in wearing their colors.

There's another MacPherson tartan that I favor a bit more than the one you selected: The MacPherson red muted which can be seen here being worn by our own NewEnglander.

There are some red Stewarts that are especially nice too; I favor the muted myself.

If your looking for a cheaper, casual kilt (especially a first kilt), this MacPherson red muted can be had at an unbeatable price from Burnett's and Struth (link above). It's harder to find on their web site than it once was. You go to the Men's Kilts link, then Casual Kilt on Sale. That particular tartan is on sale, and perhaps other MacPherson reds as well (you have to fill out your measurements, fake ones are OK to get to the place where they list the available tartans. If a tartan is available now, it doesn't mean that it will be in 3 months; they sell out. That kilt is lighter, a possible 5 yards, may have no 'steaking' which means removal of material at the sewn-down top of each pleat to make it lie better. My first kilt was from them and I like it.

On the other hand, most here would recommend getting the best you can afford (me included). I've done that too (an eight yard handmade Barbara Tewksbury). The two kilts are worlds apart and the more expensive kilt is truly lovely, hangs better, swishes like a dream, and costs more than 3x the B&S Casual sale kilt. But they both look fine.