I have only just this last 2 weeks completed my imc course and yesterday got it added onto a new easa license as ir (r) my flight instructor told me using it as a get out of jail card is deadly as you will end up going imc usually at end of a trip unprepared and probably lacking practical currency. He said plan to use it as much as possible flying ifr even if its a cavok day. I plan to take a instructor friend back at base cloud bashing when its broken and build myself up to flying in solid overcast then hit patchy stuff solo. Also love the view when you breakout vmc on top. We are a very privileged group of people who can usually guarantee some sun im the uk.
Tom