Ok, maybe I was a tad harsh describing it as a "joke".
Many a time whilst instructing in the states, I was able to file IFR, out to known VFR conditions. Conduct the lesson and then pick up an IFR back in. How many lessons have been canceled in the UK where an instrument rated FI could of got them out and back again?
Few times I got caught out by the haze and had to go back home on the localizer, would I be able to do that safely without an IR?
I believe it makes you a far more useful instructor to both your employer and the customer.
