Thanks for some very good points, I think I'll keep the IMCR current for the time being. I am interested in the concept of being able to take an IMC checkride and BFR in one flight that would also qualify for the 2-yearly 1 hour with an instructor for the JAR PPL requirement. Pressumably, this would need to be done with someone who is both a CAA examiner (for IMC renewal) and an FAA instructor qualified to sign off the BFR in an N-reg aircraft.