Completely agree with getting the PIFR along with CIR. Back when I did it, it was case of filling out a piece of paper and $10.
Proved very useful as a mate that owned a twin would ask me to fly it for him and since I didn't have to meet the CIR recency would do so under the IFR (using personal safety limits of course). Others missed out on this opportunity when I was unavailable simply because they didn't have the initiative to cross the road and fill out the form at the local CASA office....go figure!!
This allowed me to get some good IFR twin time while predominately working as a S/E VFR pilot which inevitably helped in getting my twin training approval and then my current gig as twin IFR driver.
My motto as I went through and indeed go through my career is to have all the relevant ratings and keep them valid/current.....you just never know when you'll get a break...and you'd better be ready with open arms or opportunities will pass you by.
Good luck
