Since I've been wearing my USA casual a lot lately, I'm chiming in. Got the Hunting Stewart casual and love it. Mine has a selvedge hem though...which is perfectly fine for me...I was dubious about the fringed hem as well but it wasn't a problem. I forget if I specifically asked for the selvedge or not...

The velcro is quite all right...the belt sort of holds everything together and all is very secure. My next one will in all probability be a semi-trad from USA...I really like the material and more of it and a lining will be sweet. Wearing it on your hips instead of up about your navel is different but not uncomfortable. If you're getting that middle age "gut", it's hanging out over the top of the kilt as opposed to the sort of "girdle" effect that the trad styles seem to provide. This may not be a problem for you...actually, my gut is rather flattening out (hooray! I must be getting more exercise.) and the "hang over" is diminishing nicely...though I may have to tighten up my Stillwaters a bit.

Bottom line: Casual - invaluable addition to any kilt wearer's wardrobe...Semi-trad - same quality and attention to detail and a step up. Hard to decide? Yes.

Best

AA