twistedenginestarter,
That's probably going a bit far. I've flown over most of the UK with a basic PPL(A). And I'm certainly not unique in this, far from it. So long as you check the weather, are ready to divert if necessary, and generally behave sensibly, it's perfectly possible. It does limit you, admittedly. But I've met a number of relatively inexperienced IMC rated pilots who treat their extra 15 hour qualification almost like an IR, which is potentially far more dangerous. As with everything in flying, being aware and knowing your own limitations are the important things.