IMC too good to lose!
I am a simple GA pilot who wishes to fly as safely as possible. I regained my IMC rating nearly two years ago and have always regarded it as a 'get you out of trouble rating' rather than an excuse to fly in conditions which I am not capable of dealing with. I have had the benefit of flying recently with a like-minded pilot in our syndicate who has a similar opinion and we have started 'simulated IMC' flying practice together in order for both of us to try and stay current. In conjunction with flying with an instructor, this has been very enjoyable and has much improved my flying abilities.
I personally think the IMC rating is extremely valuable and cannot understand why it would be removed simply to harmonise with Europe. I think in fact that they should introduce an equivalent throughout Europe.
However, I do agree that an IMC is not a licence to deliberately fly in marginal conditions and hope for the best!