hugh flung_dung
>Please don't suggest that it is unacceptable to fly IFR without "licensed ATC service<
No I was not meaning to make that suggestion but generally in the enroute phase of flight whilst IMC other ATC services are available (radar etc.) although as you say, not always, for the reasons you list. However, usually such a service is never available on the DIY letdown which, I would suggest, carries more risk if other aircraft are around doing the same type of thing.