If you are allowed to push the limits - ie operating special VFR because the weather isn't good enough for VFR - should you not be instrument rated and current? Seems an accident waiting to happen if you let people scud run (legally) who have no plan B.
What actual IIMC training is required in the US? Does it involve a screened cockpit or 'foggles' or, heaven forbid, actual experience of flying in cloud? If it is just a VFR 'let's pretend' exercise it is about a s useful as a chocolate fireguard.
I know regulation is detested in the US but it seemst his crash was allowed to happen because part 135 regs let a non- IFR pilot fly single pilot in skoshie weather with fare-paying pax without the skills to recover in the event of IIMC.