Hi, Very interesting topic FWIW my 5 cents worth
firstly I would never be tempted to do IMC in a single , if its that bad wx then dont go, turn back or LAND THE BLOODY THING.
I quite like the 5 hrs simulated instrument in the ppl. I tell the students yes
you should not get yourself into trouble but if it does happen this will help to get you out of it. Use the five hours to show how difficlt it is to control the thing on instruments. Get them to put it into an unusual attitude by closing their eyes and trying to fly the machine straight and level, when its in a nice unusual atitude get them to open their eyes and recover. I find this makes the point quite well. If they are doing unusually well pull the gyro CB. sure as eggs are eggs the one time you need it it will break!
If I find out one of my students flys into IMC I will bloody
Be safe