This seems to be a problem only due to the inflexible attitude of some Examiners. In the military we do not require a formal check of the circling approach; we TEACH the technique in a flight simulator (which is as restricted as the one buzz use) making due allowance for its limitations. We then require our students to PRACTISE visual approaches in the VC10 during their conversion, but for noise reasons we don't practise at circling minimum as we used to. Consequently we arm our pilots with sufficient handling skills to be able to complete this rarely-needed technique without problem if it were ever required in anger.
The difference is that our examining requirements are practical and have been formulated by experienced aircrew who know what is and what is not reasonable; JAR requirements have been dreamed up by a bunch of Eurocrats with scant regard for reality and even less for common sense! Perhaps that's why our AT/AAR fleet has the safety record which it does!