So an IMC lets you fly in the clouds in Class E/F/G without a clearance
I think you do need a clearance to fly in Class E in IMC - since you must be IFR if you are in IMC, and you need a clearance for IFR in Class E any time. Don't quote me on that though - I don't have any Class E near me, so I've never done it.
Agree with MasterCaution re. the rest of your question though.
FFF
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