I used to fly 747-400, and on that type, when we had to do the circling in the sim, the instructors used to have a relaxed way of judging it. Their approach would be: "ok, it`s a JAR requirement, but rediculous to attempt in the sim anyway, so enjoy the training". In 4 years on the 747 I never flew a circling approach.
Nowadays on 737, the instructors have a different approach (same company!). They will flunk you when messing up the circling approach. In my view this is ridiculous and inherently dangerous, because of negative training. They teach you this way that it`s ok to circle on minima without outside reference.
Accident waiting to happen?
BTW: 6 years on 737, no circlings yet, ample visual approaches though and enjoying it!