I've enjoyed your postings, Frog:
What a pity you didn't take the trouble to look at the IMC rating syllabus until now:
It might have added more gravitas to your railing about what IMHO is an excellent rating.
When I did my IMC rating a few years ago now, in a residential course, I was told that the previous week three French pilots had come over to do the training: Even in the full knowledge that they were unable actually to be granted the rating, they felt they would benefit.
RIP Jim Hilton............
Cusco (CAA/PPL(A) IMC FAAPPL FAA/IR )