"Icebound" wrote:

[...]
The MAPs that don't specify a hold... seem to (always?) put you in at
altitude and into a position suitable for a second approach.

Somebody needs to confirm whether that is on purpose so that you can
begin the second approach immediately??? (in the absence of
instructions to the contrary, of course)

It may be just a coincidence. Recall that being cleared for the
approach does not authorize multiple tries (in case one doesn't break
out), just one. The default procedure, as exemplified in the
lost-comm (or too-low-for-radio) rules, is to head off to one's
alternate. The MAP has to be a point whence one can do that, so it
has en-route-level obstacle clearance just like an initial fix.

- FChE