Well, it was pretty much the norm to keep 160 selected and F2 until 5NM, at that point push managed speed and configure with gear and flaps. I agree it was quite tight, but not so much. With some tailwind/heavy wight could definitely become tight.
Maybe with that technique we ended up being significantly less than 160 at 4NM, especially with light weights.
Now I see it’s far more common keep 160 and while maintaining 160 going gear down at around 6/5.5NM and continue configuring with F3. Then slightly before 4NM select managed speed and flap full if desired. In this way at 4NM we are 160 or at least very close.