"even before they re invented the rules & allowed straight in approaches in a CTAF (for which I feel is just to unsafe) "
I gotta disagree!
Straight-in approaches = best thing since sliced bread. Do'em ALL the time!
1) Listen on Area and CTAF frequency.
2) Make appropriate calls on Area and CTAF frequency.
3) Turn all your lights on
4) LOOK OUT THE FRONT WINDOW TO SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE CIRCUIT AND ON AND AROUND THE RUNWAY.
5) If anything pops up that you don't like the look off - break off the straight-in Appr, rattle upwind on the "Dead" side of the circuit (descend or climb to circuit height as required) and come around for a normal Appr and landing.
6) From short final, tell anyone who gets in your way to "f*ck off", unless safety dictates a go-round!
I cannot see what the problem is!
Some of you need to get out into the real world a bit more.
Dr
PS: Most of the Ag pilots I have come across have been top operators. They have a job to do. Keep you eyes open, work in with them, and let them get on with it.