Don't forget that by doing the rating a PPL is also flying at least a further 15-17 hours with an instructor. That's got to be a contribution to improving their skills post-PPL training. The studes I've been teaching are finding themselves suitably stretched, plus they're broadening their experience. If the rating isn't sold as a mini-IR then they shouldn't get the wrong idea.
BTW, the point made about the PPL/IR is a good one too. There's nothing wrong with putting something like an IR within reasonable reach of the private pilot fraternity. The oversight by JAA is a mistake.
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0 to 2000ft in 10 minutes