Those doing the IMCR want to be able to fly in IMC.
Bizarrely I think that is where you are wrong. A good number of those doing an IMCR did not want to fly in IMC, they just did the PPL and probably the night rating and got bored of the £200 bacon butty so looked for something else to do to continue to fly and the IMC was the next opportunity. Over the last few years pilots have migrated towards the permit scene and the microlights etc and found other things to spend the cash on.
Unlike you I spend a lot of time around flying clubs in touch with the training scene for AOPA and I get more exposure to the mindset of the low hour club flyers.
What ever you and I may think IMC flight is not the bee all and end all of aviation. Have you ever considered that there are many people who see no utility value in aviation and just like to go flying?