I appreciate what you have shared, and for being honest. I'm no expert and can't really help in the way of the legality of things, but in my opinion, if you thought it was safe to roll, you did the right thing. I know that's not a by the book approach, but we do need a bit of common sense in our world. I know some people don't, or forget to call clear runway as well, so you could have been sitting there all day if you went by that. Some people do have a tendency to be verbal about their thoughts over the radio more than others, I would only say something if I thought it was life threatening myself. In your case with aircraft everywhere, you were being wise to do your best for all in my opinion. Just some thoughts as I sit here.
Good friend of mine flies Dash 8's in Papua New Guinea, so I can ask him what the descent profile they do if you like, though it's a bit different over there, in some places landing at 6000ft amsl! But I'm pretty sure it is a 1000ft circuit, well we did a pretty low circuit the other day coming into Brisy when I flew in, in a D8! (as passenger)