MR8 - am just coming into this thread, but, regarding your comment about
"For example, the fully established at 1500ft thing is completely ridiculous"
..read your books boy. FOM Ch 15 P29. (Hint: you don't have to be).
TM
Sorry TM, but MR8 is right. If you check it does state that one has to have gear down and landing flaps selected. So 1500ft, be configured.......1000ft or 500ft be stabilised, depending on the weather. Damn, I hate to agree with 8.