Hi Chris,

 

Congratulations on selecting the best airplane ever!  Of course, I'm biased.

 

I often fly my Legacy in IMC, but not in "all types of IFR;" I avoid icing conditions and thunderstorms.  I typically cruise between 16,000' and 18,000' and fuel flow is about 10 gph and TAS is 210 - 230 knots.  You might have more personal endurance than I do, but between four and five hours of fuel, with reserves, is longer than I can hold out.

 

Regarding how stable the Legacy is on an instrument approach, it always goes where you point it.  So long as you're on top of your game and maintain a good instrument scan, there's no problem.  But if you're not paying attention, the Legacy can deviate fairly quickly.  Although I feel better flying instrument approaches by hand, I think an autopilot is an important backup.

 

Everyone has his own opinions, but I see no reason to limit a Legacy to VFR or very light IFR.  So long as you stay out of ice and thunderstorms, I think a Legacy is a good IFR airplane.   

 

I don't have much experience with other GA airplanes, but I think the Legacy's glide ratio is pretty good.  If you can get the prop pulled back, the glide ratio is outstanding.  You're right that the best glide speed is pretty fast, which limits your options for an off-airport landing.  But if you're cruising three miles high, with luck you can glide 50 miles; often within range of an airport. 

 

Good luck,

Dennis