Informative as ever and entertainingly written too Obs cop!
Your last paragraph has reinforced what I was thinking re starting my IMC. I've only completed around 15 hours since gaining my PPL and (worse still!) just completed the check-out in the Arrow which would be used for IMC training.
Now while (in all modesty) I didnt find the PPL difficult, I rekon I'll need a good few more hours in the Arrow to get used to its handling and to the different panel and nav. aids before starting my IMC.
I must admit you are certainly opening my eyes to how difficult instrument flying can be to learn!