Bob Noel wrote:
in reply to no specific person

What is the utlity of the extra margin you get from the ability
to handle lower weather conditions that a non-IFR-rated
pilot?
Lower weather... some utility. Utility from being able to punch clouds
and decks without worry, enormous.

Imagine a VFR pilot (like Jay H.) not changing his weather
minimums (e.g., VMC only). Would he be safer with an
IFR rating?

Yes. But only with the qualifier that he maintain proficiency. That's
the hard part. Without it, it can be argued that you are less safe -
VMC or whatever.

Flying VMC with IFR capability is different than VMC without it.
THere's plenty of VMC where 2 mins of IFR flight thru IMC makes the
flight pleasuable, faster, and safer. That's where the sweet spot of
utility is.