TRUTHSEEKER1 It is always safer for a VFR-only pilot to remain VMC - that is obvious and doesn't need asking.
The issue in this case is that, over water and under overcast - it is possible/probable that there was zero exterior reference. Thus, whilst legally VMC, of no useful purpose.
A friend of mine (completely legally) teaches IMC flying in VFR only aircraft. He achieves this by going out over the Canadian prairie on overcast nights - no stars, no ground illumination. VMC conditions (so flight is legal) but you might as well paint the windscreen with black paint for all you can see through it...