Going back to the beginning of this thread, I suggest that the 'captain' in question was confused over the difference between a 'cirlcing' manuever and a 'side-step.'
Circling is simple -
It is common to fly to an airport where there is, let's say, an ILS approach but only to one runway. Suppose the winds don't favor that runway on this particular day. What to do? How about flying the ILS down to circling minimums, then circle to land on the opposite runway.
Just about every training manual, AIP, etc will state something to the effect of "...decend to the circling minimums on the profile view of the approach in use..."
Nowhere is it ever suggested to use the minimums for an approach that you DID NOT fly!
Whereas,
Sidestep Maneuver -
ATC may authorize a side-step maneuver to either one of two parallel runways .... followed by a straight-in landing on the adjacent runway. Aircraft executing a side-step maneuver will be cleared for a specified nonprecision approach and landing on the adjacent parallel runway.
For example, "Cleared ILS runway 7 left approach, side-step to runway 7 right." Pilots are expected to commence the side-step maneuver as soon as possible after the runway or runway environment is in sight. Landing minimums to the adjacent runway will be based on nonprecision criteria for the approach and therefore higher than the precision minimums to the primary runway, but will normally be lower than the published circling minimums.
Gotta say it; I agree with Pantload on this one.