Why I like Deadside joins...
I do deadside joins when I can. You don't put yourself in line with opposite direction traffic for two reasons:
1) Joining from the Dead Side you pass over the upwind numbers. Joining from OH you pass over the downwind numbers. Or you should do....
2) If you are "ahead" in the join from the deadside, the traffic joining using the OHJ should descend and join behind you. If you are miles out then they should join in front of you. You are already at circuit height, the OH joiner will be above circuit height.
If you don't do a deadside join then you pass over the airfield at exactly the same height as the OH joiner, but in opposite direction, then you have to fart around turning umpteen times before carrying out an OHJ and hence put everyone at more risk....in my opinion.