Well, maybe the UK should standardize a bit. I am happier and used to flying Long Beach type tight ones (oohh errr), but when I did a dual check at a South Coast airport, I got a bollocking from the instructor for not being 10,000' away from the runway.
So what it boils down to is:
1) Fly the circuit pattern that is designed for the airport. That may include a bomber style circuit, or a nice tight one
2) If someone is training and is in front of you and is flying a bomber style circuit becasue they are not happy to fly a tighter one, in experienced, or need more time etc etc...then stop winging and let them fly it.
3) read Trevor Thom book one. You turn base when the end of the runway is at 45° unless you are asked to make a short approach or your engine fails (or see no. 2).
4) At un towered airports, unicom or radio airfields, talk to each other...."XYZ 3 mile final"..."ABC turning base behind XYZ"....
Rgds
EA