So, at one point...the poll not withstanding (which, by the way, I would vote for Tartans to which I have a connection--family, military, region, etc. + some universal)...the question comes down to what is traditional enough that we feel a need to offer up a certain amount of respect or deference?

[I'm not trying to be argumentative, either...just pursuing an interesting conversation and and equally compelling thought process.]

But I don't think we can ask that question without putting it in context. For instance, if 20 years is enough to make a tradition, then in the context of Highland history aren't we really saying that the older (truer?) traditions are of lesser value or can be dismissed in favour of the newer? (Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot... )

If a two hundred year old tradition beginning with Wilson's and the Vestiarium Scoticum (a known hoax) is tradition enough, what does it say about the rest of the traditions and history going back to the fifth century? I mean it seems to me that you have to abandon the one to embrace the other.

And if you are willing to do that, then maybe a 20 year old tradition is valid..and poly viscose is the new worsted.