Obs Cop
The problem with a "get out of jail card" is that it isn't going to get used much, and when you need it you won't have the currency to be able to use it. So one needs to budget for doing more hours than a purely VFR pilot might get away with.
Few people like to fly in IMC, and they can't anyway for long if it's icing. VMC on top is the general idea.
The "15hrs min" isn't really feasible IMHO if one is to be able to use the full privileges. But then very few people do the PPL in 45
How many people do the JAA IR to a useful standard in 50 (or 55 for ME)? Who knows; almost none of those presently doing it end up using it at PPL level because they are working towards a P2 seat on a 737