Long rectangular circuits/patterns are for the convenience of power traffic sequencing, and so ATC can see or be told who is where and what is planned.
Gliders in the UK no longer stick to long rectangular circuits, if not sharing traffic patterns with power aircraft. We fly downwind to assess the situation, and then CUT THE CORNER. This is called the diagonal leg. The base leg hardly exists at all. The RAF has used this for years and it is called by you chaps the constant aspect approach. You never loose sight of the landing area. You never loose situation awareness.
In America gliders usually have to share patterns with power traffic, and so must fly that long downwind, 90 degree turn onto base, 90 degree turn onto final. Works fine unless the donkey declines to cooperate, in which case you inform the traffic and cut the corner anyway.