But the obsessive repetition of academic circuits is not necessary.
Agreed, better to spend the time doing GH and aeros! Oh, no, you don't do that either!
Seriously though, the visual circuit is so much more than demonstrating that you can be the master and put the aircraft exactly where you want it. It combines handing skills, CRM, awareness, flexibility. Even if you choose to initiate a GA at 50ft to save wearing out the tyres, flying in the real visual circuit (not in the sim!) is an essential part of being a military pilot.