Based what work I've seen Matt do, I'd say his are BETTER than 8 yarders for actual wearing.

As for "cheappo" kilts, I'd be careful. Stillwater and USA Kilts are actually pretty good. Sport Kilts are crap, unless they have SERIOUSLY improved recently. As for others, I'll let other posters give their opinions, as I have no experience or have not seen names and products connected. As a good rule of thumb, in kilts you (usually) get what you pay for.

As others have said, make sure to compare apples to apples. Matt's are great, but still in the $350 range.