There's also a group who want to exercise the privileges of an IR but are not prepared to demonstrate their competence to do so by going through a training and testing process that is proportionate to the privileges of the rating.
and you base that spectacular assertion on what evidence?
It is most unlike you Bookworm to be carried along by emotion, you should stick to the facts.
I think whatever Europe does it is quite insulting to IMC rating holders who have taken and passed a series of tests laid down by the legally appointed regulatory authority and then imply that they have not demonstrated their competence.
THEY have!
You may not like it, you may disagree with the IMC rating, but doubtles there are more than a few who would disagree that the IR standard is proportionate. Simply because you believe one standard is more proportionate than another has little to do with reality unless you can base your assertion on evidence rather than getting carried away by your emotions.
I might just as well say I think your IR is worthless because the test and training is hopelessly out of step with whats needed to fly in controlled airspace in Europe in a light sinlge.
Anyway we shall just have to see. There is a democratic process to be followed. You can bet we havent heard the last of this. You can also bet that a lot of pilots will not simply roll over and accept the outcome unless it is proportionate.
I am done for the time being because we are just going around in ever decreasing circles without any ambition by many to address the real issues.