I wouldn't say that this pattern was common but I also wouldn't say that it was unknown. It was known enough that many manufacturers said that it would void their warranty.
I was buying a bike in the fall of 1989 and all the wheels from the shop were this pattern. They would use Bullseye hubs for a number of reasons, one of which is that it was strong enough to be radially laced.
BITD, did I see bikes like this? yes, but not everyday.
Pingwuin