There is a major difference between failure to find lift and engine failure, ie. a sink rate of a 100'/min or so compared to 800'/min.
In a glider at 2000' AGL, you have some 8-10 minutes to pick out a field within 4-5 miles and 200 yards is plenty long. A well managed landout is a leisurely process.
If the donk quits at 3000' AGL you will be at your 1000' key point in 2.5 minutes which has to be within about 2 miles plus you need more like 400 yards.
When I have to fly low, I find myself picking out fields and staying within reach.
As for difficulty of judging approaches, I've always found steeper approaches easier.
Getting the sight picture of a tight approach well burned into the brain is good preparation for that day when you might need it.