cost inhibitive to obtain a rating which could save lives
Not certain about that. Just because you have an IR does not make you 'current' and thus able to hand fly rotary in IMC.
On the wider and possibly intended subject of training for an IR in SE/ Piston then this would make a lot of sense and the JAA are probably being inflexible on this point.
I have heard a rumour of a Robinson development with a twin diesel in the back to give two engine capability for IR training, which would change the game in JAA-land for IR training for the ATPL(H).
The amount of bad weather heli accidents which occour could have been avoided if the pilots had proper IR training
Hmmm