I"m pretty new to my complex rating and I switch back and forth between an Arrow and my buddy's 150. I'm so paranoid that I'm going to forget the gear. I was taught, like many here, to do at least 3 GUMPS in the pattern (mid field DW, LB, Final). I was also taught that the gear should be down by the time you enter the pattern.
There is one final "three green, no red" as I cross the threshold. I do the same in the 150 with a "gear down & bolted". The Arrow I fly can be a challenge to slow down fast as the gear warning horn is not set correctly (IMO) It goes off around the 20"-21"MP setting vs something more reasonable like 17". Other than the gear warning check on initial decent, MP is increased anytime it sounds so I don't get used to hearing it.
Like I said, I'm fairly new to my complex rating, but I don't know why you wouldn't be slowed to gear speed by the time you enter the pattern. If your that fast going into the pattern and don't have the gear down by then (or at least before you are abeam the numbers), I would expect you would be working to get it slowed down the rest of the way around and opening up yourself to other problems.
-Steve