ok, after we all agree that great pilots never fail
and the question therefore is obsolete......
so what is the problem with those jets on approach?
to me it seems that the problem is the dissipation of kinetic energy. ATC will sometimes not clear you for further descend for reasons like traffic or terrain. so your track miles decrease and your getting above your planned path
(so much for "plan ahead and fly your plan"
)
you can shed energy by creating drag (flaps, speedbrakes, gear).
but you might be faced with quite ineffective speed brakes (eg B737NG), a very clean wing (eg B737NG) and company regs that don't allow flaps above 230 or 220 knots. and people are reluctant to drop the gear 30 miles out, because you might end up in a situation where you have to apply power again....