The main thing is that everybody does the same thing,
Yes yes and above all YES
keeps to a sensible sized circuit
Not really: as stated before, there are many fields where the circuit is where it is and nowhere else.
and reads all the pilot info at an unfamiliar field first
At the least. A phone call will never hurt, either, and will often be much appreciated.
and then observes the local heights or altitudes.
Of course.
But it cannot be said too often or too loud:
The main thing is that everybody does the same thing,