I've looked into all aspects and angles to getting my IR cheaper but as you've pointed out there is the bureacracy to deal with! When everything is considered you may as well 'bite the bullet' and pay the dosh beacuse you may not be making that much of a saving.
Last summer I'd heard that there were moves to extend the '3 year rule' from completing exams to completing IR... but this hasn't happened. Yet another money making scam!
With bullit firmly in teeth I'm off to do my IR(H) next month. Eeeek