to my previous, MK is Mackay & yes a/c do deviate around wx, inbound ac was from either SSW or NNW from my recollection.
1. circling apps in jet rpts is ok but the lower the minima, the more difficult the stabilized app is. That's why most overseas operators prefer not to do them as well. Any other app is far less workload.
2. To those who ask why not do an RNP, easy, FMCs usually slow the ac up 15nm out. Add the extra track miles & it adds 5 mins on to the flight. If the cloud base is BKN at 2000'aae, it makes sense to do a DME/GPS arr. After all there is a reason why CASA makes a jet's circuit height 1500' & not 700'. This subject is common sense to a lot, but common sense isn't that common these days. From an operators point of view(for those not operating these a/c) 5minsx300 flights x cost of operating the a/c - time off duty all adds up.