Evil J
to answer on Bern Oulli's behalf, the "why it's taught like that" is because the College (now known as DAT&S...and no I don't know what that means either) has a duty/responsibility to teach the 'book' before the practical short cuts.
With regard to distance from touchdown transmissions on base leg...it makes a difference if you're 8 miles south of the extended centreline, turning base, aiming at 16 mile final with potentially 24 miles to run which (may) be closed up by a tighter vector on base leg. TCAS won't tell you that...and incidentally, when the turn to intercept is given, students are told the ILS/DME will kick in and distance from touchdown information is superfluous.
Hope you realise Bern & his colleagues are trying to prepare the guys who (might) pay for your pension as best they can.
Tori