IFR flying is much easier in real life, controllers are generally more understanding and hand-holding, and very flexible. Plus they don’t fly you into mountains.
How do I approach flying? Well, check the weather. If it’s clear and I’m feeling low and slow, VFR. Otherwise, if I can file IFR, why not? Always helps to have someone looking out for me anyways.
EDIT: forgot to add; if the weather is good on arrival, I’d cancel IFR when in range and continue on a VFR flight plan. If not, then I’ll conduct an instrument approach.