DF, you could set your objects as equi-spaced along their centres.
Next create a Scatter Brush with this line.
Apply the Line to a SmartShape Polygon with the same number of nodes.
Drag a node until all Shape occupy a node each; easier than changing Line width.
Toggle the Shape to a Ellipse (here, Circle).

You can also try with an Art Brush set to Repeat but this distorts the shapes.

To recover your Shapes, convert Line to Shapes and Ungroup.

Not perfect, but might work for limited conditions.

Acorn