I was taught to climb to circuit height on crosswind, before turning downwind and I can see why this might cause problems, depending on a/c performance. I know for a fact that my solo circuits are always a lot tighter than those done with instructor weighing the a/c down.
I do try to be tolerant when someone is flying a rather large circuit - when you're learning there is so much going on and it can be difficult to strike a balance between doing things correctly and rushing. Even so, some people do seem a little extreme...
When following someone on a 'cross country' circuit, you tend to leave a bit of extra space to try to get more distance and I have noticed each sucsessive circuit get bigger and bigger, until someone finally lands and it all 'collapses' to the correct size again. If this appears to be happening I now deliberatley get right up behind the guy in front and go-around to break the pattern. Helps everyone out and good experience too.