Actually, flying the ILS to minimums (as I did Wednesday going into
Boston Logan on an Angel Flight) and seeing those beautiful lights in
front of you when you are at 250 ft is certainly among THE greatest
thrills.

There are many, many times when ONLY the immediate area of the airport
is fogged in, particularly Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and
Boston. After an IFR departure, in 20 minutes you can be in clear blue
VFR. Without the rating, you are STUCK until the fog lifts.

This discussion has surfaced frequently over the years I have been on
this NG . . . and I remain a strong advocate of the Instrument Rating
when it comes to optimum utilitization of an aircraft and pilot's
advanced education.

I don't see ANY downside.