It's a little misleading to say that this is the norm for all radios. There are essentially 4 "modes" that are used in setups for radios. What you have described is Mode 2 and it is what is most common here in the states, but that doesn't mean everybody uses. There are many fliers here in the US that do use Mode 1. Many pilots in other countries us Mode 1 more than Mode 2. So to say that your set up is the "Norm" is wrong and shouldn't be referred to as such.

What you have is Mode 2 and it is the most common here in the states.

Ken