on my flatland bmx bike I've run both radial and cross lacing patterns. We put much more stress on the wheels doing that; standing on the axlepeg and generally rolling around on one wheel at a good lean. Under that type of stress, radial is very high maintence compared to a cross-laced wheel. It feels "spongier" and goes out of true often. The stiffness when the wheel is straight up and down is higher, but much reduced when the wheel is under pressure at an angle. Sorry I don't have the mechanical lingo to use the proper terms for those two types of strength. But yes, I agree, the look is winning.
cheers