Hang in there, Don![8D]

I don't want to get into a rant about quals, but I will say that I've taught folks to fly "by the numbers" for years (OK, decades...), and it works, in RC and full-scale. Use a given throttle setting on downwind (half, third, whatever works) and make shallow banks (RC=safe, full-size=no spilled drinks/screaming). Don't touch throttle again, but manage energy, drag, etc., to get to the runway. Adding power (or snap/spin/crash) is disqualifying, try again. Again, this is a steady-state discussion. Gusts/wind shear are managed differently.

Somebody earlier brought up the phenomena of a trainer turning, and upon roll-out gaining altitude. That happens upwind, downwind, no wind, due to "excess lift" (I hate that term) after the turn. Up elevator was being held during the turn, upon roll-out the elevator wasn't reduced at the proper rate so the plane climbs. Happens in full-scale too. Part of that physics/acceleration thing? I dunno, but my head's starting to hurt...

Another f'rinstance: landing/taking off at higher-elevation fields. When landing, the sensation of the ground rushing by (perception) is unreal, seems like you're still at cruise. The desire is to reduce throttle to make the "sight picture" look right. Indicated airspeed says you're OK, so don't touch throttle, but one uses a LOT more runway at higher elevation/density altitude. Hence tire speed and weight limits in such cases.