Keef
I do see your point. What I don't see is how a *UK* airfield can legally insist on what is effectively a PPR for an IFR approach, given that:
1) A suitably rated pilot is entitled to arrive IFR (with or without an IFR flight plan)
2) Instructor absent, there is no practical difference that I can see between me choosing to fly an ILS to land because I feel like it, and me choosing to fly an ILS to land because I feel I need the practice (but not telling ATC anything different).
Flying is a constant learning / currency rebuilding process and unless one is flying A-B on business (or some other real purpose) every flight, including the landing, could be regarded as a practice flight.