An IFR quandary
Stic&RM, like you, I'm no longer current but I will get back into it again soon. When I was at the top of my game, I ALWAYS put in an IFR plan even with 8/8 of blue. ATC seem to give you preference and strangely enough, I flew many hours in the cruise IFR, but when you start your descent to your destination, it's amazing how frequently you break out and get visual well before you need to get to your sector entry.
Point is, only seldom have I had to fly the entire approach. Maybe not "seldom" but it's spooky how most of my IFR flights have concluded in VMC.