I have to say, there are a few tartans I would like to honour family members, but they are hideous.
I mean, I like Irn Bru lot, but have you seen their tartan????!!!

JockScot.
I was very, very stuck in my ideas when I was younger. I followed the rules. ONLY family tartan and that was that.
But as I grew older I realised the 'Rules' were all completely made up and I expanded my ideas.
I still balk at wearing tartans where I have no association whatsoever, but I'll war the tartans for folk I am descended from (Grandparents, etc) or for districts I have an association with.
I'm considering getting a kilt in The Scots American tartan to honour my wife, but I can't see myself buying a Fraser tartan just because I like it.