Bob
In the environment you are talking about I agree with you, and if I were instructing I would teach the RT as per 'SOP'.
I would also discuss the subject with students as we are doing and would probably write to the CAA to express my contrary opinion.
I never said the military did call the runway designator,just that they too operate to places where the 'Downwind' call is woefully inadequate.
Regards
Over and Out!