You would never orbit less than 500ft agl. And it can be better than an extra 0.1 on the switch.
And speaking of orbiting on finals skywest FNA conducted an orbit on finals up here last week to give way to 2 aircraft one 3 mile and one 1 mile on straight ins. I was 3 mile in the A36, told the F50 i would go round if it didnt work, and he said dont worry mate, we will orbit and make second to you. Pretty impressive seeing a F50 doing that next to you!
WTF is this cr&p about orbiting on final!?!?!
So we're quite happy to fly an orbit at lowish altitude, low speed with gear and flap out are we?! It's not a circling approach following an instrument approach. It's a normal, daytime visual circuit!! So much for being stabilised on approach. Not only is this potentially unsafe, it's a great way to fcuk around an otherwise orderly circuit pattern.
A safe, efficient go around can be accomplished in minimum time. "Safety" and "efficiency"; the two prime components of that thing called "airmanship".