On small flange hubs, the difference between 4x and 3x is negligeable, since the spoke length and line of action is only slightly different. It does make more difference on larger flanges, but again, nothing earth shaking.
As, noted, you need 36 or more spokes to build 4x, otherwist, your spokes will be passing beyond the hubs centerline.
Back in the day when 36h was king, 4x was a popular pattern especially for OEMs because the same spokes could be used regardless of flange size, reducing the inventory by builders.
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