What I think we are saying is it would be a good policy to try to listen to the approach frequency when possible if there are low clouds and IFR aircraft may be descending out of those clouds pretty low. The busier the airspace, the more there could be a conflict. Your VFR sectionals do show where IFR approaches come into uncontrolled fields. On controlled fields, monitor approach or tower farther out when weather is an issue.
Even at uncontrolled fields, an IFR aircraft may be discending out of the clouds and may not be able to transmit on CATF until released by approach. Normally, they can monitor CATF and transmit on it, but I have had the approach frequency so congested that I had to listen to every word for a release and couldn't get over to CATF.
If the weather is clear or ceilings and visibility are good, the aircraft should be able to keep visual separation. In poor weather, approach could turn over an IFR aircraft to CATF fairly late in the approach which could cause separation issues. If you are talking or monitoring tower or approach, you will at least get better situational awareness. Nothing wrong with asking tower where IFR aircraft are making approaches so you know. ATIS often calls out the active runway and says which approaches are being used at busy airports.
If you have a transponder and their is radar coverage, approach can see you and warn the IFR aircraft. If no transponder or radar coverage, neitier approach or the descending aircraft will know where you are.
Any help?
Best,
Dave