Not true gents, you can quite easily start the multi IR without having done the ME class rating. You cant sit the IR test however until you have your ME class rating!! I did it that way, 30 hours FNPT2 Sim, THEN ME training, then the remainder of the 55 hour IR on the aircraft. You will actually find that there are a few schools do it that way. When you do the 170A test for the MEIR you will probably get the ME Class rating test at the same time.
Macflea - crack on with at least 30 hours sime time, no reason why you cant do it.