TopFly - well I started this one so maybe I should answer the question.
The topic actually arose from my frustration that we Brits. with an IMC rating cannot legally fly "VFR on top" in Europe but our French counterparts with their basic JAA license can.
Ah well you may say why not do a PPL/IR. There is not a single training authority in the UK that provides the required course to cover the theoretical knowledge requirements, short of taking the full ATPL exams.
As too the general issue as too whether or not a pilot without some sort of IR should be flying "VFR on top", I would be inclined to agree that this might be unwise. However I gather this is not uncommon in the States or in Europe for that matter. Doubtless those with more experience than I might like to comment.