Which wing configuration?  This is a question I always have with our very special wing.  The standard airfoil is without the flaps being in reflex.  The hi-speed cruise is with the flap in reflex (less lift, less drag, nose up pitch).  I don't consider the flaps to be in an extended state until they pass through 0 degrees (out of reflex).  The drag, lift and pitch conditions are definitely different in these two configurations.  Also, it seems that the lift characteristics don't change much after extension beyond about 7 degrees down after zero (total movement = 14 degrees down from reflex) but the drag increases and the pitch moment is also greatly affected.

 

I like steeper speedier approaches because of big reduction in energy during the high-drag round out, thus a shorter float and roll-out.  You are absolutely right about choosing the correct AGL so the descent is arrested and it is different under different conditions.  For me, by the time I have reached the pattern, the flaps are in takeoff position and that give me a very stable 120 KIAS without the nose being too high.  The gear drop occurs at a point in the pattern (at an altitude higher than those 172's) where I have to start the descent and the runway is assured even though the speed now drops 15 knots.