I had a Sportskilt without the sewn down pleats, and I was not happy with it at all. So much so, I will not buy another kilt, without sewn down pleats.

You have alot of options, and if you look at the fact you will wear the kilt more often than you would a single pair of shorts, you could justify the cost equalling a couple pair of shorts.. and any of our casual kilt vendors will be a good option, for a non wool option.