Usually approaching an uncontrolled field (in the CRJ), I would fly to about 3.5 miles before "entering the pattern". Personally, I like to keep things fast until this point, and have no problem with speed around 230-250 depending on the pattern to be flown.

I'd plan on entering the pattern about 2500' AGL, 210 knots and turning downwind. Flaps to 8, then 20, gear down will slow things down quick, start your descent, turn for the runway (I'd often fly direct to the 2 mile final), flaps 30 and 45.

Rollout on speed, on glideslope right at 500' AGL (which was my company's minimum for stabilized visuals). No problem.

If you know how to manage the plane and the airspeed, 4 miles out and unconfigured (even on final) isn't a big deal as long as you aren't trying to descend and slow at the same time. Heck- in the CRJ I've done 250 to the marker before on the straight in. It's not the most comfortable, but can be done if the crew knows what they're doing.

I'm guessing the controller freaked a bit early.