Re the overhead pattern.   George, good job on explaining it.   Just one more item that is worthy.   The overhead pattern is a superior entry for high speed traffic in that it provides in the "break" an excellent deceleration rate from cruise speed to configuring for landing.   Even my L360 flies initial at 200+ kts, because of some descent still happening, and upon roll out on downwind, the 140kts is ready for a first notch of flaps, followed quickly with gear at 120 and then half flaps.    Also, for a low wing (high speed) aircraft, the overhead approach provides excellent visibility in the 180deg sector of active traffic entering on a 45deg or already downwind.   Also, it is excellent conditioning for an engine out approach; with an engine out over the (arrival) numbers, there is enough energy left to complete an engine out approach and hitting a good altitude at "low key" or downwind opposite the landing numbers, from which a continuous descending turn to final can be made with precision and energy management.