Interesting how systems differ. Here in OZ we don't have any change in VMC according to what license you hold.
Quick question S+L - what does this mean?
If you have a valid IMC rating, that becomes 1800 metres below cloud.
Does that mean a PPL holder with his/her IMC must have at least 1800m vis? Surely your instrument ticket allows you to fly in zero vis? (ie: through cloud

)