IMHO, if a rating has lapsed then it is no longer included in the licence.
If one does not believe that then one will have big problems explaining why a lapsed IR or lapsed IMC holder can not fly special VFR in less than 10K - ("unless the licence includes an IR or IMC rating").
It's an interesting point DFC, but I reckon it's covered by Art 25 which requires a certificate of test or revalidation to perform the functions to which the rating relates.