What I hope most pilots get from this is - always be IFR until the TMA boundary and only then go VFR.
Outside controlled airspace there is no real need to declare if you are I or V. Most people fly quadrantals VFR anyway. Quite often you can be flying at the upper non-pressurised levels (85-100) changing between IMC and VMC on a regular basis. You could, if you wish, tell yourself that you are I or V but it makes no odds, unless you ask for RAS.