One thing for Ralph to consider whilst it sounds like a dga to a circling approach while circling the required vis is along the intended flight path from down the back maybe he couldn't see what the bloke at the front could apon his "intended fligh path" although a normal cct entry and join is prefered it is not a rquirement whilst counducting a circling approach prob very different than what your use to don't have to fly a 1000' square base cct to get an aircraft on the ground at the right configuration and speed.