Accepting VFR for the approach makes sense.
"You can fly the approach at LFAT without an IR, but you cannot do so in real or simulated IMC without an IR
AFAIK."
OK - but you accept a VFR approach under the hood. You have a qualified and competent safety pilot, who for the purposes of the approach becomes P1 and you get in a bit of currency training at L2K prices. That would seem to work - wouldnt it?
.. .. .. and the waiting CAA official is happy as well isnt he?