IMC is a cloud break procedure for an instrument approach. Continuous IF is not intended
Oh nooooooooooo pleeeeeeeeease not this old one again
The
privileges of the IMCR are what the pilot can do,
100.0% legitimately, and are laid out in the ANO. End of story. Nobody is entitled to infer an "intention" here. In any case, the IMCR dates back to the 1960s and most of those behind it back then are not around anymore.
An instrument pilot is as good as his currency on type, his understanding of procedures (ability to read, basically), and all this is closely tied up with access to a reasonably decent quality and adequately equipped plane (i.e. money and more money). You won't be current on the UK PPL average of 10-20hrs/year.
The holder of a gold plated JAA ATPL, flying a C150 in solid IMC, turbulence, is going to be massively overworked and will probably kill himself unless really current - just like the IMCR holder.
Nowadays, instrument flight is done 100% using a GPS and most procedures are a piece of cake in reality because one can see on the moving map where one is. Holds are similarly easy. It is only the training and checkride where GPS is not used, for old times' sake.
And yes you do have to learn to use that silly circular slide rule for the IMCR exam
Pointless, since nobody will be dead reckoning in instrument conditions. It's all done using radio nav (GPS,VOR,DME).