Vlift,
I think we're in agreement, but I'm not sure?
My opinion is that operating in IMC without being on a filed flight plan is nuts.
The UK IMC rating is good for climbing through a thin layer to VFR on top, or for getting down through a thin layer to an approach in marginal VFR conditions. Any time you're in a cloud, you're both blind and invisible. Not being in contact with someone who can see you, and others, on radar
makes it a very risky proposition, which, for me, at any rate, is not worth it.
Yogi,
The IMC rating is cheaper, but using it to fly IMC comprimises safety. Its' tough, I know, to get the money for a full IFR ticket, but where should you put your priorities, safety or cost?