I've always been uncomfortable with the idea of a 45deg join to downwind because it involves turning your belly to the oncoming traffic, but I guess US accident statistics would prove or disprove the apparent risk.
My preferred join is to fly parallel and close to the runway at circuit height, slightly on the deadside, and then to turn onto crosswind. It allows you to verify the runway and wind, see downwind traffic (and modify the crosswind turn accordingly, if necessary) and to arrange an efficient descent. A little lower than circuit height skylines the other aircraft.
(Note: no mention here of calling "initials" or VRIAB).
HFD