murphy1901.
I'd agree with you pretty much. I think the thing about the pitch setting is, to some extent determined by the aircraft you're flying at the time. If you've got a high cruising speed, lets say like a Mooney, then to integrate with a circuit full of C152/PA38's then you want to get things set up earlier and certainly not be in cruise settings downwind. Also, how soon you get set up for the approach may be determined by your aircraft having a high cruise and a low flap limiting speed. I'll stand by to be shot down now cos it's been a long while since I flew a wobbly prop aeroplane and my memory of what my instructor told me at the time is pretty faded! This is were your opinions are more valid than many of us that probably have more hours as what you've been told is fresh.
Spiney