I had a similar question just before there break, but I can't seem to find if there is any minimum ME IF time - having completed MEC a training it has been suggested that a number of hours of the 10 may be SE but I've yet to receive comment from the appropriate CA.
Also, it was suggested that there would be no need to do the ME Class training if all that is required is the ME/IR - bumping up the ME segment of the 10 hours IR requirement. THis was in response to the need for the ME IR SPA to start a type rating, having no intention in the immediate future to use the ME Class... comments welcome...