Why oh why oh why oh why do we have to fly a circuit that is out of gliding distance to the airfield / airport?
Because you use power on the approach. Unless the airfield has a massive undershoot it is impossible, therefore, to be within gliding distance of the airfield at all points of the circuit. The furthest point is the turn onto base leg. Agree that circuits should be tight, though. We're not in bomber command!
Agree with the rest too.