The proliferation of reliable, accurate cockpit automation has always offered a reckless segment of the pilot community the opportunity to operate in the IFR system without going to the trouble of earning the instrument rating. We all know a pilot friend who is probably flying a technically advanced aircraft—TAA, one with an IFR-approved GPS navigator, a moving map and two-axis autopilot—into IMC but without an instrument rating. Do you really think the temptation to use all that panel-mounted equipment under IFR and/or in IMC, even if the pilot is not rated or current, is easily resisted? I can guarantee there’s someone at your local airport right now who either has or will do just that.
I once knew a guy fitting this description who regularly flew a turbocharged piston single almost everywhere, often in IMC. I once called him on it and he blew me off; our friendship drifted apart for several reasons and I’m pretty sure he’s stopped flying. But this was 20 years ago, and it’s only gotten easier to file and fly instruments without the rating.
