Hi Againstgravity, you may be amazed at how steep you can make your approaches in a C172 with 40deg flaps.
Whilst flying gliders I practiced some ultra short, high angle approaches, at 600ft at 200yards from the threshold. Using full airbrakes and a side slip this 45deg descent was possible.
I tried the same practice in a C172, flying over a disused airfield at 3000ft at less than half a mile out. With 40deg flaps, no throttle, and 75-80 knots the C172 made it onto the glideslope with room to spare. (note. Max Vflaps is 85knots, and no side-slips are allowed with C172s.)
So it is possible to loose lots of height on the high side of the drag curve.