im about 10 hours into mine and have the theory in the bag too. I am hoping it will still be valid in 12 months time however The PPL IR site states,
"
It seems that the CAA is making a case to keep the rating but the runes are against them.
PPL/IR will continue to make suggestions and to lobby, but IMCR holders and training organisations must brace for the possibility that the hard won privilege will disappear within the next couple of years."