Lived in Atlanta from 2001 to 2012, so I can't comment about being surprised when using the new runway.

However, for all of my 40+ flights this year in and out of RDU, we've always used the main runway, 5L/23R.

Two weeks ago, we're coming into RDU from the NE. I didn't think anything of it until I saw the Hampton Inn at the end of the runway go by while we were still above it. For a split second, I had a "...?" moment, but we were landing on 5R/23L, the other runway.

I've still only used that runway once.