I should have thought that the tidiest solution would be to 'grandfather' everyone with an IMC rating an Instrument Rating issued with a restriction such that its privileges may be exercised only outside of controlled airspace.
Sounds like an excellent idea presuming controlled airspace means A and C, not D
The whole point of the IR is to fly in CAS. To achieve an IR means you are trained to a standard layed out for aquisition of an IR and pass relevant tests to prove your ability in knowledge and flying skills to meet those standards.
How can the few handful of hours hours required and large flying tolerances allowed for the IMCR meet any of the IR requirements?
Reading all the posts in this thread my guess is becoming that the best way to save the IMCR is to argue a "special Case" for the UK due to the minimal VFR days compared to most of Europe and the poor quickly changing weather associated with the maritime influence around our islands.
Anthing more European wise is wishful thinking.
Pace