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Which is a silly bit of wording, since you can be IFR and VFR simultaneously in VMC. It, of-course, means, stay VFR.
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Don't think so. You can be either under IFR or VFR in VMC, not both by definition, just as you can be either IFR of VFR in IMC - although obviously the VFR option is to be avioded
So, we seem to have concluded that flying under IFR or in IMC in kitplanes is a no-go. A shame, as as people have pointed out the panel fits in some kitplanes is far better and safer than most of the rusty scrapheaps in Group A which are lucky enough to have a mound of happy rubber-stamped paperwork attached - which, of course, doesn't and never has made the ground any softer...
I agree with previous posts that getting the CAA to change its mind is impossible - we've enough on trying to fight off the Europeans which none of us voted for, wanted or need, and exist solely to perpetuate their own beaurocracy.
/rant mode off/