I agree that, in the end, it would actually be cheaper for the banks to simply check files and refund PPI as a matter of course -- put the whole sorry saga behind them once and for all. There was talk that the banks would be writing to customers regarding PPI -- I never had any such communication --- did anyone else ??
That all said --- if I had the PPI reclaimed initially, my debt would have been smaller ( or I would have nad the ability to rack up more -- just delaying the inevitable solution ---- too late to tell.
Yes, with frozen interest you might have been able to just make repayments, but how long would you be struggling along on the bread line? More than 5 years at a guess.
Yes, an IVA has a huge impact on our lives --- the best being leaving us debt free at the end

And probably "financially rehabilitated".
As for credit ratings -- I know, without the IVA, mine would have been shot anyway --- and probably a lot longer.
"You pays yer money and takes yer choice!"
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014