Goose,
There is no such thing as "too obvious", and well done on following the correct procedure. Certainly in the UK I would absolutely agree with your approach.
Outside the UK, though, you might find airfields which are open to the public but unattended, in which case it may not be possible to speak to anyone before arriving. Also, even from a UK point of view, it is interesting and useful to have a theoretical discussion about joining methods, even though this can't possibly take into account local issues at every airfield, and also won't affect the CAA's advice and legislation on how to fly in the vicinity of an airfield.
But if you stick to your policy of asking before you leave home, you certainly won't go wrong!
FFF
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