Michael wrote:

What you are describing is far from rare. Basically, it's a bad vector
- or a vector geared to the convenience of the controller rather than
the pilot. I actually got one similar to what you are describing on my
ATP checkride. I was vectored all over creation, in and out of cloud.
I was given an intercept that was too tight and WAY too high (the GS
needle was pegged down as I was cleared before the LOC even came off
the peg). However, because I had minimal workload and was monitoring
my GPS, I could see the bad vector/altitude situation developing, and I
adjusted the power/speed accordingly. In other words, I reduced power
and slowed WAY down so I could drop down quickly.

When the clearance came, I reduced power even further, dumped the nose,
and dove for the intercept altitude at 1000 fpm. I had almost 2000 ft
to lose. It was the only way to be stabilized on altitude and on
airspeed as I crossed the marker. Had I needed time to decide what to
do as I got the clearance, I would still have been fighting it at the
outer marker.

And the examiner was OK with this? I could see them expecting you to
declare a missed at that point. I'm not an ATP so this really is a
question not a criticism. I guess I'd be wondering on a checkride which
course would be best to take.

Matt