When I did my IMC (now lapsed) many moons ago, my instructor asked my how was I going to use it. I replied that I wanted it to be a useful rating. As it was Autumn in Wales there was real IMC aplenty. I think I only used foggles once. I spent the remaining 14 hours bouncing around in cloud in a C-150 and became quite comfortable with it. He taught to IR limits and insisted on mastery of holds and approaches. Taught like this and with experience built up in a sensible manner, the IMC Rating is FAR more than a get -you-out-of-trouble card. For somebody like bose-x who obviously uses his Cessna to go places on a regular basis then, if experienced and current within IMC, a pilot shouldn't need to upgrade to an expensive IR unless they want to exploit the ease of flight planning etc enjoyed by IR holders.
PS After the IMC Rating I bought an Aerobat and spent heaps on kitting it out as a reasonably practical IMC capable machine. It got wrecked in a gale. I bought a Cub with the insurance payment. IMC rating lapsed.......