I always found that the more effort put into the first lessons the easier it was in the circuit. I generally didn't take them near the live circuit until they could fly the thing properly visually. Then a couple of lessons in the local bombing range on a dis-used field doing missed approaches fan stops etc. Then it was very rare we needed more than a couple of sessions before solo at the field.
I can see your point though for leaving it later.
But I have noticed that the students flying improves due to the confidence of knowing they can do it. Which is gained in the consolidation solo circuits.
I have had a couple of students who for various reasons had to bypass solo and had gone onto navigation. It caused quite a few unique problems. Mainly the stress levels started to increase on the final leg and the nav went to pot. It sorted itself after they went solo so I presume the stress of thinking about landing was causing the problems.
The NPPL medical has sorted so many of these problems thankfully havn't heard of a student yet who isn't allowed the very basic one.
I agree though going solo shouldn't be seen as a race.
MJ