Dave, What makes you think all us non-pilots are as thick as pig5h1t and incapable of understanding the nuances and increased risks of IFR and Night flight?
I never said you were! I was a non pilot once, I can't remember being any dumber than I am now... The point is Steve I'm responsible for you both legally and morally if you fly with me. I wouldn't feel happy taking a passenger up at night. Another pilot is fine, if anything happens to me (I'm not in the first flush of youth) they can get back on the deck safely. Others may disagree but that's the way it is with me. The buck stops with the aircraft commander, it's my decision and one that I'm sticking with. Other aircraft commanders can do exactly as they please.