Jay,

That's really the reason for the IR, in my opinion. It's not that
you'll actually fly a whole lot more, but you'll not worry about those
clouds building "over there" as much. In the end, that is why Mary
and I will eventually get the rating.

I agree fully! Especially in the less capable planes we fly, that's the
way to look at IFR, IMHO.

Of course, your confidence level should be directly related to your
currency and proficiency. If my observations prove anything, it's
that most instrument-rated private pilots don't use the rating enough
to be proficient.

There's truth to that. OTOH, punching through 1000 feet of not-too-low
stratus doesn't require that much proficiency. It's really a matter of
adequate personal minimums.

FWIW, flight planning becomes much easier with IFR. You just don't worry
about airspace anymore.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)