I think the problem you are finding here is that one pilot can only ever advise the pitfalls/benefits of doing things the way they have done. Any other comments come from third parties "I could name half a dozen guys". Unless you have done it both ways, you cannot tell if they would have felt the same doing it the other way round.
Personally I completed IR before CPL. I found this to be beneficial to me as my accuracy was much better having completed IR, and it prepared me for a more commercial environment. However I did find it very strange going back to VFR flying again. Things to consider are how comfortable you are in VFR flying, if you have done all of your flying in the UK (radio work can affect your IR considerably), and how much experience of IFR flying you have.
The best advice I could give you is speak to the training schools, and their students. Get as much info as possible. Then make up your own mind.
C99