My 5 cents.
We were all taught how to fly a circuit in the early days of our flying training. The aspects of positioning for the base turn became more prevalent when we started flying aircraft that had 'better' performance. For mine any pilot worth his salt should be acutely aware of wind at circuit heights and manage a constant turn from downwind to final. Evidently judgement is key and it's only a skill acquired after some practice. Though it should be practiced to the point of doing it with ease. Orientation in the circuit is important to achieve precision. Constant turns from downwind to final are in line with visual circirling requirements and will only be mastered with practice. I'm not a training Captain though I do encourage the chaps I fly with to attempt to master the skill.