betterfromabove, I went through the same thought process a year ago. Whilst I was sure I would improve as a pilot by doing the training, I could see little benefit in actually holding the higher licence. The IR, on the other hand, promised to both improve my instrument flying and give valuable IMC privileges abroad. If I only had the funds to do one, I decided it would be the IR. The PPL/IR seemed more immensely more useful to me than CPL/IMC.
My view hasn't changed, except I've no desire to go through the study process ever again, and I now fully intend to do both before I lose my exam credits.
I think though, that unless going pro is a goal, you could gain as much (if not more) by adding additional ratings or sign-offs to a PPL than by doing a CPL. Seaplane, taildragger, aeros, formation, or even PPL/FI might offer more satisfaction?
Last edited by bfato; 24th Mar 2006 at 22:25.