Chilli Monster- I agree with what you are saying about the use of the IMC, that of getting you through cloud layers to get you out of the cr*p and into conditions you can cope with, I have no problem with that.
What I was questioning, Whirlybird brought up the same concern, was those who use an IMC rating as if it were an IR. I have heard more than one Instructor say that "The IMC gives you just enough information to get yourself into trouble..."
Julian.