Concur
I have weighed heavily whether to upgrade my IMCr to Full IR. I was waiting to see what EASA would bring, however, the wait will remain a little longer.
I tend to use every flight, in an equipped IFR aircraft, as an IFR training flight.ie, VOR track, even on bright days I will set the ILS, and practice the approach.I also set the NDB'S, and DME, again, in a sense to regulate my flying.
I do this because,unless you are regularly flying IFR, then I found the opporunities to actually use the privileges were few and far between.I was also a bit concerned that I would get 'rusty' and forget elements of IFR flying,if not practiced regularly, however, this has not happened. I also utilise an instructor, to hone some 'difficult'let downs, some I am not sure I would ever attempt, however, the experience is good.
I try and cram in a fair bit of night flying, again, setting all the aids.