Hi there!
Just my tupence worth
I think there has to be a point of diminishing returns. As the IR is the IMC but much more, are you really, in reality giving yourself a headstart worth the extra cost? Surely one will be covering all the issues covered in the IMC in the IR. If the IR mindset is a difficult conversion then for me I would prefer to learn directly through the IR. If I can't complete the IR in 50-55hrs...well thats another discussion!
Whilst on this road I fancy trying something off-route...an aerobatics course
Well, that is my decision, each to their own