It's interesting how different people might approach a power-off landing.
I would try landing straight ahead (after turning into wind first) and go for the "downwind join" method only if there is no straight ahead option.
But the more traditional method is the turn.
I guess it depends on many factors. Altitude the gliding descent is started from, terrain and type or aircraft come to mind.
An obvious benefit of the "downwind join" method is being better able to spot obstacles such as powerlines, ditches and whatever.
