All true... most "small" fields have those issues because of encroachment of tree's, buildings, berms, etc. That was one thing I always looked forward to at Whitehouse ALF when the KOI was there, was that long runway with room for as many circles as there was pilots, and the silky smooth clean air. Most pilots could fly and feel confident in 12-18mph there, and the veterans would fly up to 25mph + and still be ok... when at home you could barely feel safe in anything nearing 10mph.
Our field has what I call directional limits with minimums and maximums. Coming over the trees, up to 7mph is fine, over that, and there is a wicked down wash and your overheads are dicey or your inverted pass in front of the tree line can keep you on your toes. Blowing towards the trees, below 10mph is fine, but much over 12mph and it curls back and creates a vacuum that likes to suck planes out of the air. I wont do an hourglass to the left of the tree line when the wind is blowing there over 12mph, the back down-leg just gets so light you have no choice but to start to pull out early or risk planting the plane. Taking a step back during the down-leg helps, but it is still unnerving to lose line tension right before you need to pull out. I could go on, but you get the idea. This is where getting to know your home field in various conditions helps. On what I call bad days, most people I think would be better served just flying an old profile or combat ship, just to learn the ropes, rather than risking their best stunter or staying home, which I see a lot who think those are the only two choices.
I have heard some minor grumbles about circle 1 at Muncie when the wind comes up from the low side, but I always thought people were joking, because it is SO MUCH BETTER even on circle 1 than anywhere else I get to fly normally all year. The biggest issue for me the first time in Muncie was acclimating to no visual references immediately outside the circle. Without a horizon or fence or tree line to clue me into when to pull out, my first RWO was at like 2ft! (then the rest were at 10ft until I calmed down. LOL!) That is when I was shown how it is better to fly off your body or shoulder height than rely on visuals.
EricV