1. As we all know the IMCR is a UK national rating. It is difficult to see how EASA could "withdraw" the rating for those who have obtained the rating but I suppose given the current "proposals" regarding the life long CAA license anything is possible.
2. If they do, the "carrot" maybe to give some credit against the PPLIR, and indeed it has been suggested this will be so.
3. In any event the time would be well spent. In my experience the training given for the IMCR is around 50% of what is required for an IR. I know pilots with an IMCR used regularly which has enabled them to achieve the standard of an IR.
Aside, if IMCR privileges are withdrawn from those who already hold the rating it would be scandalous. We should jump up and down and write to AOPA (who wont do anything) and generally create. Exactly the same is true of those who hold a life CAA license. I have already written in this regard to the CAA and will be writing to my MP if I do not receive a satisfactory reply.