Tim, in keeping with what you are saying, I think its great to have a IFR rating, but I feel that it should only be used if you simply MUST use it. Flying at night, through weather, etc. is very risky even under the best situations. I may be wrong about that, but then again I am certainly not an experienced pilot, or even a pilot for that matter. I flew between Las Vegas and Chino in a friend's Bonanza at night a couple years ago... I've never been more afraid in my life... and I'll do just about anything
