Interesting debate. I can see all the points of view quite clearly.
I think we should disregard the issue of whether or not the IMC rating is valuable/useful/safe. Its been around for a very long time, there have been very few incidents of IMC holders cocking up in any spectacular way and I bet my bottom dollar its save a few CFITīs.
Back to the meat of the matter - IMC flight without radar or procedural seperation.
If it really is the "mind numbingly stupid pracrice of Morons" (to paraphrase slightly) then why donīt the CAA ban the practice? I mean it. Why donīt they? Then there would be no pressure on pilots to do so.
Few people seem willing to address my earlier substantial point. That of commensurate risk.
And please. Lets not start pulling each others hair and treat each other like fellow professionals. Nobody here is in the habit of donning stetsons and spurs I am sure.
Cheers,
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