Then again, the IR test is even harder so the more multi hours you have before sitting it, the easier it should be (or at least, you'll be able to spend less time thinking about how to fly the aircraft, and can spend more time on other aspects of the flight).
Also, at some schools it can work out cheaper doing a combined CPL and ME course than doing them separately. For example, at Leeds, 25 hour CPL - £4195, 28 hour CPL with ME - £4995.