I've done a bit of flying in the UK and now New Zealand, where QFE is not used at all.
From my perspective I have found it simpler to not worry about QFE. In NZ there are a load of uncontrolled (and unattended) airfields so it is impossible to obtain a QFE, so everyone gets by on QNH.
I find the circuit altitude is easily found when you brief for the approach into a new airfield. The elevation is in the top corner of the plate so while you are still some miles away you can decide what your joining and circuit altitudes will be, then round it up to a reasonable figure (no point flying a circuit at 1184ft!). Couldn't be easier!