john smith wrote:

As I understand it, you have already obtained your IFR clearance, you
are just being held for release until the other inbound/outbound traffic
is assured to be clear of the airspace.

Yes, so far so good.


You have your IFR clearance, you
depart VFR to provide the separation/obstruction/terrain clearance.

You are VFR at this point. Period. No ifs ands or buts. Your IFR
clearance is in no way in effect.


Similar to a VFR ON TOP clearance.

No. An OTP operation is an IFR operation. A VFR departure is just
that, VFR.