Well, tongue in cheek it may have been, but both Matt and I are sponsors on this site and make box-pleated kilts (among other styles). We've heard that remark often enough (especially coming from Scots) that it isn't really amusing anymore. (If it ever was to begin with.) Many members on this forum also wear traditional box-pleated kilts.

Concerning military "box-pleated" kilts, I would definitely agree with Matt that few if any are made from 8 yards of cloth. I don't receive orders for that style often, but I've never made one with more than 7 yards. Indeed, some surplus military kilts are sized so small (26" or 28" waist) that they contain about 5 1/2 yards.