As stated there is no circling permitted for
VB pilots unless there is no alternative.It's the pilot' s choice to conduct a DME ARR or opt for a runway aligned approach. A DME ARR below 1500AAE is permitted when its runway aligned & the gradient from the expected cloud break height will permit a 'stable' approach on final. I've knocked back ATC assigned DME ARRs when the ATIS suggests it isn't practical or there's a fair chance of a go-around. Would you want to be a B737 Pax circling at 800' or the like in rainy overcast condtions.
On the other hand I was recently told to go around in IMC on final for the VOR/DME app because a dash 8 wanted a DME ARR from the west & couldn't get in. Short story in this case the MK controller should've advised the dash to do the aligned app. This event banked up 2 RPT jets for 5 mins each.