Actually it is amazing how many people ask for "joining instructions" from an A/G operator, or other instructions which they cannot give. I've often wondered how to request their "preferred" join without asking for "instructions"? I guess sometimes plain English is best "ABC radio, GABCD 10 miles south at 2000 for landing request airfield information and preferred join" or something?
If I am approaching from the dead side I'll always join from the dead side so long as there is an A/G operator giving me weather info. It saves numerous turns and should enable you to nicely slot in with circuit traffic.