Having just read all the replies on this subject I would like to say thank you lads. The experience you are passing on is invaluble and I'm glad you are all here to share it.
I am only a 100 hour student doing my stage 2 instrument. I have never doubted the value of learning to fly by instruments alone, but I have since learned by just being in the FTD that if I ever have the missfortune of flying into the fluffy stuff then I at least know how to get my arse back down to the ground, cos thats where I want to be!
Thanks again. I look forward to reading more!