I was taught when joining from the dead side, descend to circuit height on approach and cross the upwind numbers having requested a dead side join. This not a cross wind join as cross wind is about a mile to your right in a standard circuit or a mile to your left in RH circuit. From over the numbers at circuit height it is easier to see other circuit traffic. I was also taught that cross wind joins are not recommended as it is difficult to spot where traffic climbing to circuit height might be.
I quite enjoy overhead joins, there is probably more handling in an overhead join than the rest of the flight. I find its easier to spot traffic at a similar altitude to me and I have a reasonable idea where everyone is from their RT calls. I have more problems with other pilots calling for a straight in approach to a busy circuit and calling final when they should be calling field in sight! This happened to me on Sunday the poor old atco hadn't got a clue who was who and where they were or should be. At least with overhead joins we are all sing from the same hymn sheet.
Chris