Instrument skills of the PPL will reduce
* An IR will equally enhance instrument skills
It may well do but it will also leave a very big hole in your bank balance. The requirements for a JAA IR are a nonsense. What makes Europe so special that it alone demands training far in excess of ICAO requirements? Also, as many have previously commented, the theory requirements are totally unnecessary for GA pilots.
FI's will be required to maintain IRs (to get on top in bad weather)
Etc....
* GOOD, might improve the training standards. Or maybe they should not be getting on top when teaching VFR courses?
Anyone who has ever flown in this country, especially on the east coast, knows that there are a number of airfields that frequently suffer from low cloud when all around is CAVOK. The IMCR at least gives instructors at these fields a means to get their students to better weather to practice upper air work, navigation or to do circuits at other aerodromes.