A good debate on a topic that is not given enough airtime in my view.
‘A man needs to know his limitations’. A famous quote from a famous actor and very apt.
I found my limitations through pushing boundaries VFR including some low level scud running. And of course some other poor decisions, poor planning etc. Let’s be honest, who hasn’t.
As has been mentioned, if you play it overly safe, then you will fly little and local in the UK. And if you play it maverick, it will kill you - quickly.
I truely understood my abilities and boundaries (plus my aircraft) via my IMC rating. And like everything in life, tough experiences encountered bring the wisdom to the fore.
VFR 2000ft seems a reasonable baseline for flying A to B across the UK. Less for a local bimble. Both pending this and thats.
Each to their own and what they want to get out of it.