Just to toss in my 2 cents worth on the USAK and PK.

I have one casual, three philabeg and one premier, the casual and premier are wool and the philabegs are P-V. All look and wear great though the casual takes a little more care than the others. I have to agree with Jimmy, the philabeg is a lot of bang for the buck. They look good and dress up well if you want to wear them for a 'night out' they also stand up to hard work and rough play very well. Rocky and Kelly turn out a quality product.

I just got a kilt from Jeff at PK and while I haven't had a chance to put it through it's paces, I have no doubt from the quality of the garment that it will stand up to anything I may put it thru. Yes the pleats are wider and a bit fewer but it still has the "look".

I think most of us started with the same questions you have raised then answered them as we went. I now find myself looking around and spreading my buying among several different kiltmakers. Will I abandon UASK (my first kilts)? Not at all but I do intend to try several different kilts and makers as I go.

Mike