carro, most "VFR into IMC" accidents are by the guys that are not IFR trained.
However you do highlight other issues with regard to VFR in IMC- a Bongo and Van nearly collided mid-air in the Straits last year and the above was a probable factor.
But what you have missed in your post, I think, is that a lot of the VFR in IMC is by instrument rated guys- and as you correctly say pushed by the company for several reasons. They are quite capable of flying in the conditions and not likely to prang like a day-vfr pilot would; but there are other issues in doing such.
I can tell you that the guy flying the Shrike is an experienced IFR driver.
Talk of the search being called off/scaled back today. Bugger.
Thanks for the phone calls fellas, not good hearing that it's one of our mates, keep hoping for the best.