hmmm…Though I admit I have never seen this before, I contest on a technicality (TECHNICality). That is a 1×1 plate, centered between 4 studs, where there would not be as much stress placed as a wider plate, that would squeeze between the smallest gap of 2 studs.
http://lego.brickinstructions.com/lego_instructions/set/370/Police_Headquarters
Meaning, it’s not the same connection. It’s, in my opinion, more akin to a free standing plate, which may be why that “connection” is not practice today, because it wouldn’t hold up to playability standards.