just a question shanx....
if you are training for the IR then how can you log those hours as PIC? If you are operating under IFR, then you need an IR in order to act as pilot in command.
Same deal as logging PIC in a complex aeroplane without having the endorsement i.e. illegal.
When you are flying under SIMULATED IFR CONDITIONS ie. under the hood in VFR conditions, then you log PIC (Sole Manipulator of the controls) and your Instructor logs only PIC .. he can not log the approaches.
When flying in the clouds ie under ACTUAL IMC, you are still PIC by virtue of your licence/certificate(PPL) and because you are sole manipulator of the controls. However in this case, your CFI gets to log PIC as well as the Instrument Approaches.