This 160 to 4 seems to have crept in only over the last few years, who came up with the figure of 160?
Granted ATC are under pressure to maximise the number of movements, however most sensible airlines do have a policy of being stabilized by 1000agl, this is obviously pushing it with most modern aircraft.
So, as spacing/timing is indeed important so is the safe operation of the aircraft, why not compromise and reduce this figure to say 150 to 4?
Sorry, but ATC is here for pilots not the other way around as I see it.
It's easy to sit in the ivory tower and "demand" 160 to 4? However it can be difficult to comply and no one wants unstabalized or rushed approaches or indeed un-necessarry go-arounds, and subsequent explanations to the chief pilot!
So how about ATC and airlines getting together and coming up with a safer working speed to 4 DME?
ATC you do a very good job in increasingly difficult times, so are professional pilots.
Lets work safely together!