if I may be so bold as to ask, why doesn't 7spd work for your wife? granted I don't live in mountainous aera or ride more than 30mi at a time (Dr orders the sun you know ) and I don't notice a huge difference between my 7spd and 9 spd bikes.

will you be looking to put a large cog on the rear or just taking advantage of the 1T spacing?

as for what to do with the wheels, those look almost new. for a set of MA-40s w/ DA hubs in that shape you may break even, offering those in the sale threads and buying a new set of wheels.

where are you buying spokes? they are $2+ ea at my shop.