Hi Nick
That was a really helpful post, thanks. From what you (and some others) have said, getting MS Sim could be money well spent. I think I will check it out at the club, and if I get on with it, look at buying my own version. As you, and others, have implied, it's certainly cheaper than learning in a real aircraft!
If you don't mind me asking, how many hours did it take you to gain your IMCr? It would be useful to have an idea so that I can budget my finances and time accordingly. Also, I would be interested to hear the average frequency of your lessons, and how much groundschool you needed. The book suggests 20 hours
Congratulations on gaining your rating!