I have re-read and it seems to be pretty much a divided camp on this subject.
If the IMC was sufficient to go IMC whenever you felt like it (as opposed to transitioning IMC), then why have an IR course at all????
It still seems to me to be an 'emergency' rating. Yes it can get you down in when you are in trouble and yes you will need to remain current as with any rating.
Its a bit like someone being issued a provisonal drivers licence and then shooting off up the M1 on his own.
Julian.