Superfly I think if you check your CAP (54?) you will find that having an IMC will actually give you a reduction in the instructional flying hours required for the IR. Obvisously as the IMC can be obtained at a basic PPL style establishment at say £90.00 ph instead of IR training at £200.00 ph, a good saving is available . It is all expalined in the CAP under "Requirements for the Grant of an IR"