1.) Yes. Paranoid.
2.) By rim you mean wheel, right? Because you need the same number of holes on the rim as the hub to which it's laced. Less is not better when discussing spoke count and wheel strength.
You should be concerned about this new wheel if:
You don't like the new color.
You don't like the price.
You are worried about a miniscule increase in wheel weight or air resistance.
Perhaps you cold tell us what your bike is and what's being proposed as a replacement wheel.
EDIT: oops, prathman beat me to it