"We log the BFR as PIC and either get a signoff or don't."

However, the BFR is normally done under visual conditions, while under a hood. The instructor counts as a safety pilot, and you don't need to be instrument current (or even rated) to log PIC under the hood while in VMC with a safety pilot.

In fact, if the right seat is occupied by a CFI, you can even be IMC on a flight plan. I logged many hours of PIC actual time while dual with my instructor working on my instrument rating.

As for the complex thing, I agree with the above, it sounds as if there may be a loophole, but I wouldn't push it. NE_pilot, your interpretation makes the most sense, thanks.

I don't think you're right NE... the student, even if a Private pilot, can't take the plane up solo if they wanted to because they are not rated to. Just like a pvt pilot can't go IFR solo without their their instrument RATING. It's the same difference. So logging PIC in a plane that you can't fly solo in because you're not rated to just because there is an instructor along isn't right.

When I flew in an extra 300 I didn't log PIC. I had HP and my pvt but it's a tail dragger and I wasn't rated to fly it so I can't be PIC period.

There is a difference between ACTING as PIC and logging PIC. You are right that if I do not have the sign-off or instrument rating I cannot fly solo, because I would be ACTING as PIC. However, if I am with an instructor and it is SEL (and that's the rating I have), then I can log PIC under the "sole manipulator of the controls" clause, however if there was an incident or accident I would not be the ACTING PIC.

If you logged PIC while in IMC during Instrument training, then you did the same thing as logging PIC while in a taildragger/complex/high performance SEL aircraft during training.

This obviously does not apply to flying a MEL without a multi rating while receiving instruction.

I will reference you back to the article: