Bicycle Mechanics - help with wheel upgrade

I'm at a point the where I wish to upgrade my wheels.

Currently I have Mavic CXP21 rims on 105 hubs using wheelsmith double butted spokes x3 by 32.

My rear rim is showing slight cracks starting at 2 holes, I'm not terribly surprised since these are bargain OEM rims.

I plan on replacing the cxp21s with open pros and moving these wheels to a steel bike I'm building this fall I'll use 700c x 25 on these.

Open Pros appeal to me since I'm not big on the bling factor.

As replacements for my current bike (Litespeed Arenberg)

I wouldn't mind somewhat lighter, I'm thinking 28spoke front and 32 rear, Open Pros or other rims that don't shout poser, since I don't race,

Which hubs I should be using 9spd DA setup. I weigh 170 and plan on using 700c 23s on these.

Do I stay with Wheelsmith for spokes?

Durability is imperative, these wheels will be built by a pro.

PS Budget is important

I think that sometimes boreing is good. Ultegra or DA hubs, Open Pro rims, DT 14/15/14 spokes or the Wheelsmith equivlent, crossed 3 in back and crossed 2 in front (assuming 28 spokes). Not fancy or super lightweight, but you might still be riding them when you get to be my age.

lLook at velocity rims. I think they are nicer then mavic and don't have the bad rap mavic is getting. http://www.velocityusa.com/ I have one arrowhead on front and I am waiting for the deep v on back. I also have the hubs and they are nice and smooth with sealed cartridge bearings

I consider a 28-spoke cross-2 pattern in front and a 32-spoke cross-3 pattern in back to be the absolute minimum for reliability. I prefer 32 or 36 front and rear, for even greater reliability and truability.

PS Budget is important
Ultegra hubs will do fine.

Check out some of the wheels at Spin lite on the internet. They have a good selection of wheels that are not going to break the bank. I really like the Velocity wheels (Aerohead rims) as I have had two sets and they are great. I just sold my wifes set that I built for her last year that were 28 hole and used a set of Ultegra hubs. The rear was two cross and the front was radial laced. Both were true as you can get after 1000 miles. I replaced them with a set of American Classic 420's.

I currently ride the AM Classic 420's and have to say that at 170 lbs and close to 3000 miles on them they are still true and very fast. At 1420 grams per pair they are some of the lightest wheels on the market and the 18 spoke front wheel is very tough. I've hit a few things in the road that I thought for sure would mess them up and nothing was wrong when I put them on the truing stand.

Buy a quality set of wheels or have them built.

Actually, I have a set that I'm looking to sell so if want to contact me directly I can email you a photo and discription. They are Velocity Aerohead rims with Real Designs cartridge hubs, 8/9 speed shimano carrier w/ a 12/25 Ultegra cassette for under $200. Wheels are in perfect condition.