One point that is often overlooked is why should a pilot of a 'Permit' aircraft bother with IMC?
There is actually a very good reason, a 'Permit' aircraft is allowed to fly VMC which includes above cloud out of site of ground (subject to other criteria). A PPL cannot fly out of sight of ground unless he/she has the IMC rating.
Obviously, to maintain VMC conditions you still have to get through the cloud in a situation where you can see the ground but as long as you are 1,000' clear of clound you are VMC even if you don't see the ground.