The other option you seem to allude to, that is just go IMC to get to VMC conditions runs shivers of fear up my spine. Too many people have got killed doing that.
Yes, they have. I also understand what Piper was doing. Personally, I don't do that, much rather dart in between them, and cloud skim, rather than go in them. I don't really like flying in cloud.
I think the danger, if you perceive any danger, is the situational awareness, of going from VFR-IFR-VFR, for no other reason than doing it. I get the descending/ascending through cloud following a plan, but to just enter cloud, no, not for me. The scan has to quickly adjust, then re adjust, unless of course you press AP
