Even a flight not to minimums is very rewarding. For me, anytime I can shoot an approach that a VFR pilot would not legally be allowed to, it was all worth it. The only non-simulated approach I shot to near minimums was it was 400 foot cigs and the ILS was 200 foot mins. Flying through the clouds, knowing I will break through but miss-approached procedures ready and waiting. Suddenly, I saw the approach lights in the clouds (and nothing else!) then about two seconds later saw the entire landing environment... glorious.