F900 EX
You cant really take part in a discussion if you have followed the discussion, can you?
I have said countless times it is not going to happen, we all know we are on a different track, we were debating what could have been.
As to "getting around the system" that is the last thing the debate is about. The system is ridiculous, because it has totally failed in its prime objective to promote safety, but that is a different matter.
Finally, I dont know who you have flown with but I guarantee you I have flown with pilots with an IMCrating that I would far rather be with than some pilots I have flown with who have an IR. The practical component of the IMCr is less than an IR and the training standard more variable. By definition a student will not complete the IMCr as well trained. However with a good instructor and an additional 20 hours the obtained standard is every bit as high.