Englishal
You should probably take a look at the exam contents before writing them off quite so swiftly.
The IR exams teach a much better knowledge of the weather than either the FAA IR or the IMC (not difficult).
They cover radio theory to the point of pain, admittedly less than interesting in parts
They cover the way in which your instruments work.
They cover navigation to the point where you can safely navigate your aircraft, pretty-much regardless of its avionics fit, anywhere on the planet.
Passing the JAA IR will bring about the biggest jump forward in your aviation knowledge. Nothing quite compares to it.
Tell me I'm wrong once you have the paper in your hand.