Not to put words in his mouth, but I think Riverkilt is talking about a different need for/use of steam than the OP. It's the difference between taking out "usage wrinkles" and pressing in the original pleats/apron edges etc. A casual steaming will take out usage wrinkles but the full court press, so to speak, is required to set the structure of the kilt to begin with -- as described by paulhenry and others.