Even with a stone-age /U-equipped airplane, I have always preferred to file IFR for most flights. That’s for a number of reasons familiar to all instrument pilots. In order of priority, the top four are: traffic advisories; not having to worry about TFRs or other restricted airspace; no bobbing and weaving over, under and around clouds to remain in visual conditions; and finally, it’s good practice.
Granted, my personal minimums are particularly conservative. So most of my IFR flights are conducted under mostly VFR conditions — especially the final segment nearby the destination airport. Depending on the recency of my experience, I am comfortable climbing and/or descending through a layer of cloud to visual conditions. Even without an autopilot, I am not uncomfortable flying for extended periods in IMC. But if clearance changes and complex vectors start coming hot and heavy, I am always prepared with an escape strategy — even if it involves telling the controller I need a safe, simple vector to VFR conditions well off my planned route. I like to have at least three comfortable options in my back pocket at all times.
