Isnt it true that you can stil file ifr without an instrument rating?
That is only the case in the UK and even in the UK you can only do it while remaining in class G airspace in VMC unless you have an IMC rating.
Elsewhere in general filing IFR means that you will fly IFR and comply with all associated requirements and procedures. ATC will take it that you will not object to being vectored into cloud (unless icing conditions) or into class A because it is taken that people filing IFR have a valid IR.
What the IR will give you is the ability to fly IFR outside the UK and remove the ban from flying in UK class A CTAs/Airways.
Which IR is easier to obtain means very little. What matters is that at the end, you can demonstrate the ability to safely complete an IFR flight in Europe without causing mayhem or relying on luck to get you through.
There is really little difference in cost terms when looking at the overall picture (including future developments).
Regards,
DFC