So much for Taildragger versus Trike, but here goes anyway...
(Flame helmet on)
I agree with LowNSlow that the circuits flown in the UK are too large. However, I think I disagree as to the major cause. I honestly think that the primary reason for big circuits is noise abatement.
It seems that a common way to reduce noise is for the airfield to declare 1,000+ feet circuits. High circuits require more uphill and downhill work, especially in the lower-powered aircraft that we get to play with.
How do we keep our circuits tight then?
Obviously, the pilot has the easy answer of making a climbing turn onto cross-wind, but a second climbing turn onto down-wind? Next, we also have more downhill. At 1,000 feet with little or no wind, I've often found myself starting the descent well before the turn onto base.
Great stuff, in nil wind, attempting to keep things tight, I end up finishing my climb just in time to call 'downwind', do my checks, and then immediately start my descent. Actually, I don't do any of the above. I simply increase the size of my circuit... Rightly or wrongly, I think most of us do the same.
(I think I'll leave my Flame Helmet on).
Change of subject: As regards a C152 Aerobat being 'boring', were you flying it the right (wrong) way up? They may not be the most aerobatic of aircraft, but a stall-turn or three clears the head beautifully.