Comparison of the mass accretion rates derived from observations (grey) and the critical mass accretion rate predicted by the DIM (black bars). In NL variables the DIM predicts the systems to accrete at a rate exceeding the critical one which is clearly possible as the grey bars extend to larger accretion rates than the black ones. For SS Cyg we tested the DIM prediction for two sets of parameters [a] and [b] and find agreement only if we use those derived by Friend et al. (1990) [a], which allow for a lower system inclination and a higher white dwarf mass. For Z Cam and SS Cyg we also show the accretion rates derived from the observations using the pre-Gaia distances (red bars) to demonstrate that the precise measurements now available brought into agreement theory and observations. The case of the two Z Cam stars AH Her and RX And is slightly worrying for the DIM as in both cases the overlap between both accretion rates is marginal.