CDA
All of the above work but mostly for arrivals at airfields without formal proceedures.
I find the best way to achieve a CDA is to work out your groundspeed for your chosen descent speed and then set a RoD to achive the next STAR or waypoint desired height. When cleared direct to a point set the RoD which will get you there at the published or desired height. This will normally give you a CDA from ToD to touch down but you will need to vary your RoD throughout the approach.
For example if you are cleared to FL90 and you can see a point on the chart which states FL90 there is no point using the descent profiles above if they get you down to FL90 before the point as it is probably a controller change point, so aim to arrive so you will be passing the ht at the point and you will be more likeley to achieve a smooth descent profile.
None of these proceedures works every time at every airfield, airmanship dictates and be prepared to switch between techniques.
Regards
MM
MM