Another funny I have seen is in a SPA flying IFR, if the Autopilot goes tits up then 2 pilots need to be carried The second pilot doesn't need to be lic on type or even have a SPA-IR.
In respect to practising IFR for an IR valid pilot.
As long as they are flying under Instrument Rules what does it matter if they are under a hood or in cloud?
Declaring yourself IFR and asking for radar vectors to the ILS so you miss fannying about joining the circuit and obiting to allow landing IFR traffic is one of the perks of paying the 12k for your rating. Tatical use of box 2 is required to work out which is going to be quicker.
MJ