Do it !
I rushed into mine very soon after PPL as it was being abolished. It took a little longer than if I'd been more experienced
But I know I'm a seriously better pilot with it than I was before, not just from an instrument flying point of view but heading, height and speed control and general plane management even in VFR.
And I agree about cross country, I'd rather fly under IFR even in VMC
Still got loads to learn but so glad I did it