Is it normal/common to use this way of connecting point to point wire?
With so many unused holes, you can be more creative in routing jumper wires to holes and expand the number common pads. Use the adjacent row if necessary.


Just route then as neat as you can, like a PCB layout without clusters of overlapped wires to avoid signal crosstalk and so solder joints can be clearly inspected. 
It doesn't take any longer and if the wires are tight and routed tight or bent in right angles, it will look better.  Snake wiring looks a bit suspect to prospective clients or employers. Flush rectangular routing without overlap looks well planned. 
Trained assemblers will use instant adhesive dots sparingly to prevent long loose wires. ( as long as you know it is permanent)
Don’t use excess solder.   
Get the right solder temp to allow you to solder in 2~3 seconds by preheating and then add solder wire in a smooth sequence then release. 
Magnet wire is popular for thinner appearance and I just burn thru the varnish without inhaling or use a fume extractor.