Interesting...at one point there were two other a/c in the circuit and i found it OK judging separation. However, I do keep getting the feeling I'm much closer to the ground than I actually am!
Not sure what you mean by a black hole strip, but we did do a circuit with a rwy light failure simulation (aim at the PAPIs and if you're not happy at 100ft go around) was certainly fun!
Cheers,