Lancer, I agree with you.
In FGD135's case and mine (post#1), i think the problem/confusion is due to the controller not being aware of the rules.
Being cleared for a visual approach at night in CTA at A080 just isn't going to work unless you circle down within the circling area (impracticle)
I think its just a case of requesting that further descent or tracking to a 5/10nm final to descend on the ILS/PAPI/TVASI