I'm in the process of upgrading a curve d3 to 8spd (thnx Caah!), so the spoke topic is of some interest to me. Two LBS techs I talked with separately and both said the same thing-- on 16" wheel hooking up to a 36 spoke hub, radial lacing is quite fine. With spokes that tight and short, I can see their point.
I might just email Harris and get their view... hmmm.