Why he was IMC is the question that needs an answer. Particularly when he started out in VMC, and gained VMC after being IMC, and then went IMC again. And it would seem, got VMC again before going IMC for a 3rd time in a short space of time. Obviously he shouldn't have gone IMC the first time, because he was not IFR qualified, nor was he following an IFR procedure. It doesn't make sense to give it a go when you're not qualified to do it, just to save the $100/15 minute parking fee.