FullyFlapped. Firstly there has NEVER been an 'IR LITE' yet another example of shortcutting. There will never be an IR Lite while the airlines influence the regulators.
As far as a more accessible IR is concerned the work has been done, some changes already apply the rest sat with EASA. Nothing more we can do at this stage.
If I did not have a JAA IR and wanted one I would go and do one, if I could not afford it then I would do as the rest of Europe does, I would fly VFR and live with my lot. I took the IMCR because it was available, I took the IR because I could.
I look upon myself as a global pilot able to fly anywhere in the world. If I go somewhere new and they have requirements for me to meet then I will do so if I want to fly. It is simple, their country their rules.
Europe has it's rules and I don't look for ways of circumventing them I just get on with it.
The loss of the IMCR would be said as it is another 'essentially British' quirk but I am not going to get all outraged about it or look for shortcuts. There is a price to pay for being able to mix it with the big boys and I am prepared to meet the requirements.