FAA IR with IMC
If the talked about restrictions on N-Reg aircraft are introduced, could an economical solution to flying IFR in the UK be to obtain an IMC rating on top of an FAA/IR, albeit restricted?
The FAA/IR provides the full training required for a planned IFR flight, and the IMC provides the licence to exercise it.
For around £5K you could in theory fly IR legally and safely in the UK, provided you stay out of class A airspace and are happy with the slightly higher minimas. It would be more restricted to the current scenario, but surely a cost effective compromise.