I've taken to doing little-known Standard Underhead Join, based on my experience as mentioned by HFD - not being able to see other traffic against the backdrop of the ground. I approach the dead side at about 250ft AGL so I can see all other traffic against the sky. Makes establishing SA very easy.
Then, since I know where everyone else is, and I can sequence myself in, I'll then call "G-XXXX, climbing dead side", zoom-climb up to circuit height and turn crosswind from there.
Easy really.
Pitts2112