I agree, but ...
do you remember this one?
http://www.megalithomania.com/show/image/4057
This is classed as a motte by the archaeos, but I can't understand why for exactly the reasons you've just mentioned. This, too, is overlooked by higherground right next to it.
Oddly though, many of the stone forts in The Burren, Co. Clare are overlooked by high cliffs ....