Then everyone help me out here too. In the same situation I always aim for a
point that with allow for a straight final, usually at least 1/4 to 1/2 mile
long, not the numbers. Is this considered in bad taste?

I don't know about bad taste, but at Class C airports my goal is
always to get my plane on the ground and out of the way ASAP within
the absolute framework of safety.

Therefore, if the runway is 8000 feet long (as it often is, at a Class
C airport), I aim for the numbers on base leg, and forego the long
final. If I'm uncomfortable with the runway length, I do a more
regular pattern. (All of this is presuming that there isn't a
Citation ahead of you on a 5-mile final, or something.)

You're PIC. In the absence of specific instructions, do what you
think is safe.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"