What you describe as a method of handling this seems to be a turn back with option of field landing along the way?
Other way around really; using the limited available thrust to position for a good field landing, but keeping the option of a runway landing available if that presented itself. It did, particularly in this case because it was a zero wind day so a turnback became a viable option. It wouldn't have been with a full engine failure.
A partial engine failure away from the field I think I'd treat similarly, but "crashing" onto an airfield has a lot going for it - a runway is a known safe surface, and the rescue services know where to find you.
Both the Thruster and the Auster I could have made a field landing - but neither did I eventually need to. Whilst I could have justified making a field landing in either case, it would not have been the best outcome.
G