Miserlou,
I agree with all that you added to my original post.
Mind you I have far more time on powered than on gliders but they must be doing something right cos they get virtually all landings out away from the home strip right.
My feelings are that the gliding fraternity are far more concious of safety than most powered pilots and more importantly, practice constantly.
I think the idea of doing square circuits to make engine failures more akin to a regular landing is also asking for trouble, because it quite clearly won't be a regular landing. Surely by frequent practice of a specific PFL routine,you could rely more solidly on that. By trying to do something akin to a regular circuit, then in a stressful situation you may use the incorrect visual and height cues leaving yourself too far from the relative safety of the field.
I believe in KISS. Practice a simple and straightforward routine for PFL's and you have something straight forward and simple to revert to in times of pressure. I tend to practice PFL's about once every 3 to 5 hours. I find the easiest way is to throw in your practice engine failure in on return from a nav route on the final leg to my home airfield. Firstly it doesn't cause too many problems time wise and is a nice way to get down ready for joining the circuit.
Obs cop