Yes, the design isn't my favorite. The ones with the "grandad collar" or "priest collar" look a little better to me, though. And I think they would be good if worn with a nice sweater.
I only have a couple of normal button down shirts that would be long enough to keep my kilt clean when going regimental, and it is difficult for me to find shirts in my size locally. Sometimes I can find short sleeve shirts I can wear, but long sleeves are pretty much out of the question. If I was able to find a short sleeve shirt in my area, I am sure that it wouldn't be long enough to serve the purpose I have in mind.