Reading through the posts, I think the general misconception is simple. People are easily confused by the terms IMC (Instrument meteorological conditions), and IFR (Instrument flight rules)
Two completely different things but important when looked at together.
Anyone can fly using IFR as the minima, but not all can fly in IMC. The latter would mean you're in clouds/bad vis etc. IFR, you could be in Visual conditions but abiding by the IFR rules, hence, not need an IR to do so.
You could be SVFR in controlled airspace, at night, without an IR, flying under IFR, even though VMC exist. Aren't these rules fantastic? Lets not even start on the SVR bit just yet....again.
