Gday Islander Jock.....
the organisation (and pilot) concerned use a cresco and a 206 that are both IFR and both of which having doors that are open and closed by the pilot (technically not a door off operation).... and they have naips to file plans....
you are correct in stating that PJE must be conducted in VFR.... but as far as i know there is no stipulation on the climb being conducted in IFR (yes i know it defeats the purpose to climb IFR because it then means that the jumpers will be going through cloud!)
and to QNIM....
i'd like 2 ask what you PIC comment was regarding? if it's about the pilot being responsible for the jumpers then i point you towards APF Operational Regulation 5.2.20, which states....
"Responsibility for authorising parachutists to exit the aircraft is vested in the parachutist who "spots" aircraft by directing it to the exit point.
it seems to me you have an axe to grind.....