This is very much my thinking, too. I appreciate you taking the time to write this, Genghis. This modular, step-climbing approach is what I take to most challenges, so it makes sense being no exception here. The old adage of "how to eat an elephant" springs to mind.
As to whether I would actually do the En-Route IR or not remains the question. I know this can count toward the ME-IR, but if I know I'm to do that for sure, then it's my thinking to go straight for that, building the proficiency and skill beforehand. I think this will be one of those decisions I make once the journey commences.
It's my intention to film as much as possible and do VLOGS, come the time.
Oh and if you reply to this, happy 13,000th post!