In my 10 years in the top end, I recall many times having to divert around wx and with the odd turn-back. On many occasions it was best even when operating IFR to stay below the base which was often high, maybe 6 to 8000ft. At least at the lower levels you could see the rain/storm areas and divert around them. Any thought of trying to climb above it was a dream unless very early in the day.
I recall once going 150nm to the SW of KN at low levels in a jet, before finding a break and climbing to 390 and then having to dodge the tops! For those in piston singles and twins even with radar it was a poor choice to try and climb which sadly in this accident seems to have occurred. One would be far better off staying low and flying around the wx. No way would I have ever climbed IMC in such wx.