Tasty old chestnut, this one!
The IMC is an excellent rating, IF...
1. The instruction is done properly, covering the syllabus and ensuring the pilot learningIMC flight really does do so. I've heard horrible rumours about lousy instruction (not come across any, myself).
2. All the relevant procedures are taught (not just "here's how the local NDB procedure works if you get caught out").
3. The pilot is in current IFR practice when using it.
Number 3 is the killer - how many folks renew their IMC rating every two years, and don't use it between times? That's the way to get killed.
I practice IFR flight (with a safety pilot) just about every time I fly; I do the various bits necessary to keep my FAA IR current. I am perfectly happy to take off into an overcast, as long as I know the cloudbase at my destination (and alternate) is well above my minima.
But I still prefer to be flying with another pilot when in IMC - things can get very busy in the airspace round here.