Hey, guys, I've noticed similar things about my MacKenzie tartan kilt that I got in late 2002. The belt loops are off a bit, but since I wear my belt over them, it's not visible. The kilt was ordered pleated to stripe, but, it seems like whoever did the pleating tried to pleat to the stripe and didn't get it exactly right. Looks a little like a compressed version of a normal pleated-to-sett kilt. They had enough material, so that's not a problem. 9 yards is enough. It's ok with me, but my next kilt will probably be done locally by North Channel Kilts, just like my first one was. Worth the extra $200.00, IMHO. I did have issues with the straps coming loose, but the owner of North Channel Kilts fixed those issues himself at no charge.

-J