OK, so you're running two banks of lights alternating? That's what a UL listed flip-flop is for.

Honestly, we just disagree- I don't see how non-standard wiring could possibly be safer than standard. This is why we have electrical code. As described, your wiring schema would not be to code anywhere in the US- maybe CA is differant, I've never held a Canadian contractors license.

The schema you describe is maybe $6 US cheaper per light over a 6 light setup than wiring to code- not worth it to me.

240v timers are cheap and easy where I am- any electrical supply will have 240v mechanicals for about $20 US.

I always think about the person who is going to use the space next- If I bought a building and found something like this, I'd be pissed. If I were an insurance inspector/adjuster, I'd insist that it all be ripped out- and I'd want a healthy risk premium for any other wiring in the building that I couldn't see, because actual (bonded, insured) electricians were not employed.

I dunno- absolutely not safer, and it seems like a strange place to save $40-50 US.

But to each their own...