should someone not possibly look at the possibility of making a PPL-IR more reachable
There is a parallel process in EASA to do just that. Min 15hrs training, and largely competence based like the FAA one (de facto) is.
Doesn't deal with all the "accessibility issues"; e.g. still have to (stupidly and pointlessly) do it at a professional FTO, the Class 1 audiogram is still there (no Demonstrated Ability option except on Renewal medicals) and some other stuff which will all together IMHO greatly reduce the "GA buy-in" compared with U.S. FAA IR pilot population percentages.
It looks good, but only a fool will put his life on hold waiting for a more reasonable IR - this has been promised for so long... and earliest possible delivery is 2013.
Get your IMCR and use it.