Bryan J. Burr wrote:  "My personal opinion is that IFR is only for
professional pilots who
receive a lot of recurrent training, flying multi-engine high altitude, with
the best deice equipment and have an equally rated and trained co-pilot.
Actual (IMC) IFR is not for single engine, low time pilots who dream of
going IMC.  <snip> These Lancair airplanes, although capable, are really
only meant for enjoyment, fun, and convenience.  Nothing more."

I think it’s a good thing for each pilot to operate within his "comfort
zone" for safety reasons.  However, it would also good if Bryan lived in
Arizona.   Here, in central NY state, if you don’t have an instrument
rating, you can’t legally fly half the time.  (well, maybe I’m exaggerating
a little...) But, I know I’d have had many a vacation trip messed up if I
couldn’t fly an instrument approach to complete an otherwise beautiful
flying trip.  My Legacy will be full IFR  :-)  (and, yes, I will avoid
ice...)
Frank Romeo
Syracuse, NY area