I too have recently finished my PPL but am not sure of the need of an IMC rating as i would still want to see the ground even if i where to be tracking a VOR. Im actually wanting to get the MEP rating next and do cross-channel flying, so i guess it would not be valid on these routes anyway?
Does having an IMC rating still limit you to flying conditions throughout the year in a non anti-ice plane, but is it usefull to have anyway?