I am the holder of a ME/IR and fly my twin C401 as much as possible on airways, often in cloud, for long periods safe in the knowledge that air traffic are responsible for separation, and that the aircraft has pitot de-icing, de-icing boots, and is compliant with the avionics necessary for the cruise and an ILS at the other end.
I also fly an R44 and it is frustrating to have to abandon trips when bad weather is ahead. I flew last Saturday from north of Welshpool to an intended landing at eskdale in the lakes, the morning after this incident. I abandoned the flight at Blackpool, quite rightly, because the weather ahead was completely unacceptable- very por vis( 2000 meters) and cloud down to 200 ft. This was not unexpected as the weather in that area had been poor all morning and it was there quite clearly on the metars and Tafs.
I would not relish punching up into cloud, as I would in the 401, because besides the R44 not being authorised for IFR, it can be extremely uncomfortable and turbulant flying in say, cumulus cloud which are unstable with large upcurrents. Sometimes you think it is only for a short time but once in cloud you can be stuck there for long periods due to high ground and cloud can form very quickly ahead. Not a nice position to be in.
I know it is dissapointing when on a planned trip to have to abandon it but someone (you) has to be disciplined and make a positive decision.
Better to be down here wishing you were up there than up there wishing you were down here.