Consistent file-level backup of pg data directory

Hi,

On my site, we run rsync-based backups of all servers to a central
backup server every night. Unfortunately, reading the postgres
documentation I could not find any direct way how to ensure that the
state of the postgres data directory stored on the backup server is in a
consistent state.

It seems to me, that using (abusing;-) the "Continuous Archiving" it
should be possible to get what i need. Specifically, I came up with
the following strategy:
- set wal_level=archive
- call pg_start_backup()
- keep a copy "backup_label" under a different name
- call pg_stop_backup()
- the run the regular backup procedure

As far as I can see, the result of this should be that I get a
consistent snapshot of the data directory at the time of the
pg_stop_backup call. After restoring the backup somewhere,
I only need to create a "recovery.conf" file (containing
restore_command='/bin/true' because restore_command is
mandatory) and everything should be fine.

In practice, this procedure also seems to work as expected.
Is there any hidden pitfall I overlooked? Or is there maybe
a better way not mentioned in the postgres documentation how to
get the data into a consistent state for a file level backup?

Any Feedback would be appreciated!

Regards,
                         Peter