“A powered pilot, flying VFR and without an IMC or IR, is not allowed to enter cloud, and is actually supposed to remain 1000 feet vertically from cloud.”
No, he can fly very close to a cloud provided he is < 140kn <3000ft and ISOTS.
“Glider pilots, on the other hand, ARE allowed to fly within this 1000 foot band without any special equipment or enhanced rating or training - it is crucial to their ability to gain worthwhile lift and thus sustain lengthy flights.”
No, Glider pilots are trained and signed off at each stage. If you are cleared for local soaring, then you have been trained, tested and passed as safe. The Glider probably qualifies as “special equipment”
Rod1