(not IFR pilot!)
It is well known that the life expectancy of a untrained VFR pilot in IMC conditions, is rather short.
An untrained VFR pilot's life expectancy in VFR would be rather short...don't you think?
Does the desorientation feeling go away with time/experience?
I doubt the disorientation feeling will ever go 'away' because, think about it, that's like becoming immune to motion...I don't think anyone is?
do IFR rated pilots with, let's say, a couple of thousand of hours under the belt still get that "sinking" feeling and have to force themselfs to trust the T?
I should hope all pilots trust their 'T' without being force, when in IMC...What else you going to reference your heading to? The fluffy clouds?
