@ Fuji : I think it is an absolute disgrace that the IMCR rating is discontinued. Again an example of EAZIsm imposing themselves regulation wise without any safety statistic in support. A lead poisoning from their carnival masks is what those Cologne clowns deserve...
The IMC rating is not 'being discontinued'.
It will be available (under a new name - 'IR(Restricted)') for new issues until 8 Apr 2014 and
possibly thereafter. Anyone obtaining one
before then will be able to use it on both EASA and non-EASA aeroplanes into the future.
The IR(Restricted) was originally my idea, but the CAA has done the spade work to make it happen. Hopefully my other proposal (adoption of JAR-FCL 1.175(b) into FCL.600.IR - General) will be accepted; if not, the fight will go on!