bookworm, I'm afraid I have to disagree with you.
* that any sub-ICAO instrument qualification is considered not as an end in itself but as a stepping stone to an IR, in the same way that student solo flight is considered a stepping stone to a PPL (or CPL/ATPL).
That really isn't what most IMCR holders are looking for. For them IMCR isn't a stepping stone to anything except exercising the privileges of IMCR.
Saying that IMCR holders fall into two groups: those that really want IR, and those who want to cope with accidental IMC, simply isn't true. Sorry to be so blunt, but it's a mistake to try to wish away any requirement for IMCR by imagining people really want something else (or would do if only their eyes were opened).
I'm well aware of the hostility to IMCR or any sub-ICAO instrument qualification, but really: the IMCR is what is wanted to fill a substantial need among PPLs.
It absolutely won't meet the need to have an accessible IR and quietly trash the IMCR.