IO540,
As ever some very valid points. There will always be the "old farts" who see the IMCR as a get you into trouble rating.
I can see their point. It is not an IR, never will be an IR and should never be used as an IR would be. 15 hours training is very little, but as ever currency is of more use than the impressiveness of a piece of paper.
A current IMCR holder is less of a liability than an IR holder who has not used the skills for some time.
But I started the IMCR for 2 distinct purposes:
1. The get me out of jail card for when the VFR conditions turn a bit cruddy and I really do want to be back on the ground.
2. To get VFR on top or to get somewhere in the UK.
I like flying VFR. I don't enjoy IMC as the view is pants. But as a skill to have, and use correctly it opens a lot of doors up some of which are far safer than boucing around in low level rubbish weather with rubbish visibility and low cloud base.
Obs cop