Pace:
The situations that you mention put the outcome in the hands of fate; specially "taking to the clouds" if the pilot hasn't had the training so to do. People need to be trained to make the decision before it becomes an emergency "must land anywhere in any direction" situation, that's partly what Precautionary Landing training and practice is all about.
In bad viz the timing/heading/landmark system works - I haven't had to do it for real (superior aviator uses ... etcetera
) but have demo'd and sat through stude practice many times, when possible in relatively grotty conditions.
I completely agree that flexibility is important, and also the need for a plan - hence the Precautionary Landing training. Also, 'tis far better to exercise Captaincy and superior judgement to avoid situations ... etcetera, etcetera.
HFD