Mind you, this is not pointed at anyone, but just a general observation. It seems the patterns are getting stretched to the point that an engine inoperative situation will leave a plane well short of the runway environment. Flying straight in is a fine way to end up in this position, unless you really have taken into account the winds, etc. Being on the PAPI or VASI 3 miles out will leave you in the dirt.
This is a bit more than embarrassing. If it gets so busy that the downwind keeps getting pushed out, maybe it is time to fly some circuits elsewhere, or go do air work.
