Quite so, Mike!
Currently the UK IMCR does not form part of EASA part-FCL's NAP17b proposals. However, the EC commissioner responsible for all transport matters is a supporter of the UK IMCR, as is an influential MEP.
So EASA now has a working group with the catchy name of FCL.008 who are looking at the future of instrument qualification requirements in Europe.
FCL.008 includes UK representation, so you'd think that we could be reasonably assured that the future of the IMCR was being well protected....
WRONG!
One of the UK representatives has been advocating a cruise-only IMCR called the 'En-route Instrument Rating'. This requires the same theoretical knowledge requirements as the proposed PPL/IR, but has no approach privileges. The person who dreamed up this lunatic idea considers that there should be 'almost certain' VFR conditions for take-off and landing (whatever that means), so the EIR holder can then go and play airliners without being concerned about going IMC in the cruise.
AOPA does not consider this Chocolate Teapot Rating to be in any way a suitable alternative to the UK IMCR and has asked IAOPA to tell the FCL.008 group that the UK advocate of this EIR does not have the support of the UK GA fraternity - he speaks for himself and for no-one else.
Much is going on behind the scenes to protect the UK IMCR and to ensure that it has a viable future. So if anyone is considering training for the IMCR now, my advice would certainly be to go ahead!
In any case, there's a good chance that EASA will heed the well-deserved handbagging they received from the EC and will remove their attentions from sub-ICAO licences and ratings.