Todd listed a few of the more well known univeral tartans, but I'll also add that more and more are constantly being designed by the Highland Dress companies and tartan weavers. Many of the so-called fashion tartans are meant to use as generic setts. One recent one is the Highland Granite tartan launched this year by Lochcarron.
http://kiltmaker.blogspot.com/2005/0...ochcarron.html

But many companies have similarly intended tartans -- Pride of Scotland, Braveheart Warrior, Scottish Lion, etc. Anything you see with a name like that is most likely intended as a general use sett.

And to answer your other questions, the tartan on the front page here is a Gordon ancient. And men's kilts are heavier than women's skirts because they are supposed to look more sturdy and rigid, whereas women's skirts are to look more loose and flowing.

Aye,
Matt Newsome