A night rating used to be required for the issue of a CPL.
In much of the world it is required for (and included in the sylabus for) a PPL (or you can get a restricted PPL limiting one to Day Ops). Similar in law to the option of getting a PPL without the ability to enter CTA. It has been explained to me that the reason for Australia's decision is due to the difference in the number of Navaids.
If the sun sets you stay where you are.
I don't wan't to nit-pick Nev but it could come down to a hair splitting decision hours before last light, maybe even after using the dodgy charts in the AIP Book or a storm forecast as Inter or Tempo which becomes a From.
I have seen the last scenario force a Rated pilot in a Day VFR single with CHTR pax to orbit for about an hour. There were no available alternates and on departure there was no legal requirement for any.
Back to the thread question of all the feathers to have in your hat (above the legal minimum) before doing CHTR NVFR is certainly THE one I would emplore any pilot to get (or an IR with NVFR priveledges).
FRQ CB