Hiya, Stik,
(got your gloves, by the way, so Oshkosh wasn't a total loss!)
When people call long final like that, especially when it's a busy circuit, I look at it as a warning shot that they're coming in rather than laying claim to the runway. I also suspect that as they get closer, people will either make way or the long-final will end up going around. No real problem either way. If they're far enough out, I carry on with my circuit as normal and cut in front, provided I can do it safely (and, let's face it, in a Pitts we can get two circuits in before we can even see "Mr. Longfinal's" landing lights). This happens every once in a while at Popham and it's never been a problem that I know of. I actually think it's kind of a courtesy call by either a complex type coming in in the simplest way or someone who's approaching on runway heading and it's just easier for all concerned if they just come straight in. In the Tcraft I've been known to do straight-in approaches, but obviously in the Pitts I don't.
On the matter of the overhead join, I really don't understand what all the fuss is about. Why is it any more dangerous than everyone joining midfield downwind as in the States? You still have every aircraft converging on one point, so what difference does it make where the point is? I prefer the SOJ as it gives me a chance to get some SA on the field to plan my approach, as well as have a good lookout for other traffic, especially non-radio stuff.
Here in the UK I routinely join overhead, midfield downwind, base leg and even straight in depending on how I'm approaching a field and what's already going on there. If it's done with respect for what's going on in the circuit already, it's not ever a problem. On a busy day, I stick to the SOJ for the reasons stated above. If it's a slow circuit, I'll join in any of the other ways, making sure I can be seen and announce clearly what I'm doing, and making sure I don't put anyone out who's already established in the circuit.
I wonder if yachties moan about the lack of seamanship in every other sailor on the water the way we seem to moan about the lack of airmanship in everyone esle in the air. We really need to just get on with the business of flying for fun and stop trying to police everyone else. There are times I think we don't need the Belgrano as there are plenty of self-appointed "deputy examiners" out there willing to pull people up for minor infractions of the ANO.
Just fly and have fun, fer Chr!st's sake!!
(this bit not directed at you, Stik)
Pitts2112