I cant remember the name of the authoress, but she was a very accomplished french pilot (Margaret ?) _ someone will know
As for PPL instrument flying, my opinion is that the IMC is OK for cruising in warm cloud with a large space between the bottoms and the green bit, but the only safe option is a full current CAA/JAA or whatever IR.
IMC holders will crucify me, but I read about them all the time....... in the monthly AAIB reports. IR holders would concur
Did both-- the standards and required situational awareness are miles apart.
I dont fly anymore, so have no axe to grind, but I never took my kids up IMC until I had an IR and a flew hours of using it for real into busy airports sometimes with a 757 closing, a load of drift and a request to hold 150 kts till 4dme and a cloud base of 300ft.
Do that properly and you have confidence in your training- JD