One of the main reasons for the decline in IMC ratings is unfortunately the number of pilots willing to operate as IO540 recomends.
Use GPS and ignore the law as well as safety while declaring to be VFR while actually flying IFR in IMC.
The IR is not dificult. Tacking an NDB is not difficult and completing a hold is not difficult. It simply requires training and lots of practice.
If a pilot knows the basics and is willing to spend time with RANT or similar practicing then I can be sure that they will come to find NDB holds easy.
Unfortunately, these days we are stuck in the modern "windows PC" culture - sod reading the manual or doing some training - turn it on and learn by doing. People want to apply the same to flying - NDB holds are too difficult so they should be banned. The GPS is simple to use so it should be mandatory and if you don't have one you are lost.
The simple fact is that many pilots exercise the privileges of the IMC rating without ever having held one or if they did have one they never renewed it. More shocking is that many fellow pilots are aware of the situation and either ignore the situation or wish they did the same or if you read IO540's comments - publicly endorse such actions.
If there were more thorough checks carried out not only would there be more IMC ratings or IR ratings held but there would be more pilot licenses held. Yes! do not for one minute believe that the number of active pilots equals the number of licence holders.
One only has to read the reports - flying in cloud hits hill, flying in cloud hits sea, flying in cloud hits mountain, flying in cloud hits mountain, almost hits red arrows also flying in cloud during a VFR flight, lost control after suction system failure - not qualified for IMC flight.
I have several times been flying IFR just above a solid overcast that covered most of the UK Base 3000 tops 5000. You would (perhaps not) be amazed at the number of home built permit types that pass by........many in IMC at the time!!!
Regards,
DFC