[fish314]

There's also a human factors component to locating the MAP after the visual descent point. At the visual descent point you are focused on finding the runway and beginning a descent. Beginning a descent is a relatively complex task, as is beginning a missed approach. Beginning a descent involves a 3 degree nose low pitch change, and a corresponding power reduction, whereas a missed requires raising the nose a certain amount from the level flight pitch picture and a power addition. Tying both of those actions to the same point as well as adding an additional task (making the descision which course of action is appropriate), seems like it could lead to greater task saturation at an already critical point in time.

By having them separate, you are focused on beginning a descent as you approach the VDP, and as you pass it and head to the MAP it gives you some time to realize and prepare yourself for the eventuality that you are going to go missed even if you see the runway. It allows you to "shift gears", and gives you some extra time to make that decision.