back to the original question. Its (4) for me. I generally plan my flights as IFR and regularly fly in IMC, although typically its not for more than 20-25 minutes or so. It will also usually include an instrument approach , most of the time that is an ILS but sometimes has been a LLZ/DME SRA or on one occasion a PAR. I Regularly practise instrument approaches even in VMC and really enjoy this aspect of flying.
For me , I want to make instrument flying a regular event so that when I do encounter IMC conditions, its not a white knuckle ride and becomes a standard part of the flying.
I do strongly believe that you have to keep in practice for this. I'd hate to fly for several months or more even , and then have to flying an instrument approach in anger, thats when youre workload is going to be the highest and when you are likely to make a mistake.
If you have to keep in practice, whats wrong with flying IFR as a general rule?
You rating gives you those priviliges so I don't see anthing wrong with excercising them?