I think the IMC is a good rating to have and as such have worked hard to keep it. For one thing, the accuracy demanded by my instructor/examiner is much higher than for a basic VMC PPL and this has benefited all aspects of my flying.
In the 9 years that I have had my IMC, I have used it as P1 4 or 5 times because I regard it as a 'get you home rating' rather than and excuse to get up into the cloud. I do however practice with an instructor every 4 or 5 months because I know that without practice, the standards will fall.
So from me, a big thumbs up for the IMC