Like you, I shudder at the idea of the plaid being cut, and the lines not matching when put back together!!!
When I have a fabric that I love and "just can't cut" .... I have two fall backs ...
1. use it as a backing .... with something coordinating for the front
2. use it as a large focal centre fabric ........ then border it up!!
I know, oh so borrrrrrrring, but it's a way to make it work and keep what I like about the fabric!
Good Luck!!