Aiming for a straight in landing is similar to the overhead join in one respect.... everyone is aiming for the same point, but with less space within which to miss each other, and less height too.
Of course if one is at work and being radar vectored it's great to get a short cut to finals, but when flying GA types I'm up there for the fun of it so there is no time pressure. I therefore think that when mixing radio and non radio traffic the overhead join is the safest and most expeditious option.