Tough choice for a pretty tough situation! I think after the above metioned reactions, I'd go down to 500 ft and limp home keeping eyes on the look out for wires. Mean while I'd contact App and inform them of the situation. If it got any worse I'd empty myself a little more, then I'd PAN. I'm sure the controllers would offer some advice if you made it clear you can't go IMC. After I'd made my PAN, I'd clim out and ask for vectors.
I've been in a similar situation, but I found the clouds acceptable at just under 500 ft. I also contacted several airfields and got a wx report just so I knew which direction to head if a div was needed.
Good luck, and I'd invest in a rating. I think everyone who fly for more that 20 minutes at a time should get one.