(...)if you set yourself up early enough, descending to circuit height from the MSA/LSALT and completing a circuit within 2.66nm is no drama whatsoever.
Well, if the MSA is 7500', you are in for a pretty steep approach...
And in addition: A visual approach according to JAA rules is not a matter of diving down to 1000' at 30NM, and flying along just hoping that you won't crash into a mountainside. Normally you just follow a 3 degree slope (3xALT) towards the airfield, making the final turn at around 1000-1500' AGL and making a normal landing. With the field and terrain in sight at all times.
Easy peasy japanesie.
And it's
not illegal according to JAA rules!
Why are the rules so strict in Australia?