I might get bashed for this, but,
How often are any of us around people who actually know and/or care about what color our hose should/should not be? I understand all the differences of opinion about day/evening wear, white for 'pipers, etc. However, it seems there are many of us who think that we are right and everyone else is wrong, (which sometimes can be the case. Just ask my students.)
IMHO, if we are trying to pay respect and honor to our ancestors and heritage, then we should dress and conduct ourselves as best we can, including quality kilt hose that look good and wear well, whatever their color. If we're wearing a kilt because it feels good or because chicks dig it, then wear whatever works.
About the "kilt-for-hire" look: I know I don't get out much, but I've never seen a rented kit, much less rented hose, and if I did I don't believe I would recognize it. I'm sure some of you would, but I hope none of us would have a conniption because of the color of hose someone was wearing. (I still can't bring myself to call them socks. Thanks, Veronica Gainford.) And I further hope no one would point out the offense to the unsuspecting fellow who was bold enough to wear a kilt for the first time. I'm not accusing anyone here of that, but it could happen.
In short, we'll never all agree on every point, and besides, the "rules" are fairly recent inventions which no one has to follow. Remember, this is a Scottish thing, and Scots are not usually folks who abide by someone else's ideas of what they should do, much less wear.