I thought I'd chime in on this lively discussion, seeing as how it has gained some momentum. IMHO, I can see and somewhat agree with all the modern, very valid points where kilts and kilt wearing are conserned. I feel as though It most likely comes down to "point of view". Strictly speaking from a "modern" view point, I've always thought that you can "dress down" a "real" kilt, but you can not "dress up" a casual or "cheap" kilt.
Having said that, I think the idea of what a "real" kilt actually is, is whats up for debate. Somehow I don't believe the originators of the historical kilt were worried about "swish" or "flow", yardage, or pleating options. They were conserned with keeping warm as cheaply as possible. Ask any living historian and they will agree. The Kilt as a historical garment was not a fashion statement with a set of rules, as it has become in modern times. I don't say that as a bad thing, just an interesting note on the progression of a historically iconic garment. The modern kilt is a strikingly beautiful garment, but it also has modern, un-written "standards" of construction, materials, appropriate wear, and visually pleasing guidelines, that have become somewhat of a tradition of their own. The idea of rules, guidlines, prices, construction, when to wear it, are all modern day constructs. This is not to say that someone can or should wrap a table cloth around them and call it a kilt, but rather following some semblence of the historical garment should be adhered to, otherwise it's not a kilt. Further more, IMO, the modern "full kilt" has a look all it's own, and has a much more full, grand, look than a cheaper one, but again that is a modern idea.
Having said all that, I don't think there is anything wrong with a first "cheap" kilt, if it exposes new people to the history, honor, traditions, folklore, lifestyle, and culture of the people from whence the kilt came. Prices of materials, construction, knowhow, and shipping has made the making of a modern kilt very expensive. The economy, budget, or casual kilts give the wearer a sense of "involvement", or "belonging" with out breaking the bank, or finding out it's not for them. If it is for them, then I see a natural progression to a full kilt as the next step. Just my opinion, please don't fillet me for that.