Because there are so few people who want to obtain a PPL/IR, the education providers do not have PPL/IR courses, only CPL/IR or ATPL/IR.
No.
There is no difference between the single pilot IR held by a PPL or a CPL or an ATPL.
If you have a PPL which includes an IR, after you get a CPL your single pilot IR will be placed in the CPL also - no further exams or tests required. The same goes for those that obtain an ATPL.
The difference between the holder of a PPL with SEP and IR compared to a CPL with SEP and IR is simply the second one can be paid for doing the some of the flying that the former does for fun. Nothing more.
Would people be in favour of scrapping the approved theory course requirement (even if done at an approved RTF) for it to be replaced by a study as you want, a multiple choice tests and a 60 minute verbal grilling from the examminer on the day of the practical test?
Oh and lets put a price tag of £1000 for the extended test with the CAA examminer.
Regards,
DFC