Whopity wrote
This effectively prevents a JAA licence holder from flying IFR in any airspace without an IR (or National equivalent such as IMC). It is the major difference between a JAA licence and a UK National licence which has no such restriction.
It's difficult to see how the ability, with a UK National Licence, to fly IFR in uncontrolled airspace when VMC and in sight of the surface constitutes a 'major difference'
In practical terms, it surely constitutes no difference at all?