Not quite, one of our base airfields tends to keep us level at FL60 until entering their TMA bringing us 500-1000 feet above path every time. So you plan whatever you want, you'll be high anyway. So it's either AB below FL100 or put the gear down 20 miles out. I could try sideslipping
next time but I'm not shure the cabin crew would be very fond of that.
Planning the descend and approach is not so difficult as long as ATC does not interfere too much with your plan, but if they do why not use the tools you have available.