Well, Joe, everything I learned about Pattern came from some real pros.... Dave Lockhart and his dad, Ron. Both, I think you would agree, are accomplished pattern pilots. Both said that learning the straight line, no matter what else you do on your own, is probably the best approach to beginning the "science" of pattern. I agree with everything you say, but I believe, when at the field either alone or with others, learning to fly the straight and level pass will be the anchor of everything you do in Pattern because every maneuver begins with a straight and level approach.

CGr.