Wow! I'm honestly shocked by the details on the SK. Thank you for posting those pics. I had no idea that with the leather straps you still had to deal with the elastic! To get rid of the elastic is the ONLY reason I would bother upgrading an SK to sewn pleats and straps. I'm really shocked at how thin the leather straps are as well and it appears the buckles are lightweight fashion buckles. I know now why we don't see such detailed pics on the SK web site so you could compare before you buy. Honestly, if I had bought a SK w/ sewn down pleats and straps and received what is in your photo's it would have gone back. The upgrades are not worth the cost.

Your base statement though is very correct, it is not a fair comparison and SK's do fill a certain niche as a reasonable entry point into kilt wearing (just without the upgrades).