Circling approach
I agree with your assessment regarding the dangers involved during a circling approach but want to clarify a couple of items. The circling approach here in the US is basically a visual maneuver in that after decending to mins and the pilots have the airport in sight. Notice I did not say the runway. Maintaining the airport visually throughout the approach is critical to a safe approach and subsequent landing. Typically when in a simulator scenario the PF will not see the runway of intended landing unitil sometime on base leg, and it only at this time he may leave the circling altitude with intent to land. Sorry for the lesson plan but I just wanted to make sure we are on the same page.