Hi Sean,
I think that you should try talking with IPEM about the EngTech level, as I know of a number of people that are no impressed with the way that the admin of IPEM is going. The VRCT is only there as a stepping stone, and if you received your email before you chose not to pay, you would see that IPEM now have the VRCT on their website.
I have heard that other associated bodies are also not happy with how IPEM being elitist and are looking elsewhere.
We could all write a letter of complaint to the Engineering Council !?
http://www.engc.org.uk/contact-us.aspxScott.