You will get arguments on Vs vs Cantis, realistically they both work fine, so just make a choice. The knock on Vs is that they don't work with real road brakes, you either need the awkward 287s, or the worse travel agents. But people will use them. The other knock is they are more adjustment dependant, particularly if you get a damaged wheel. Cantis work, and used to be regarded as insanely strong brakes. Like any rim brake, they are not as good when wet, on long descents, be sure to get appropriate rubber, buy the rims we tell you too since they will work better etc...

There is no reason to use brifters if you don't think you need them. Some of us old guys are not being dewy eyed about this stuff, I have only had one bike with an 8 speed, or a cassette. To the extent that older stuff doesn't bother me and is simpler and more rugged (and these days available in really nice versions we couldn't have imagined, like Paul for brakes Phil for hubs) I am better off using it. If I grew up on brifters and 23 speed cassettes , I would doubtless feel naked out there without them. But if you don`t need them, then you can profit from the benefits of the older stuff, of which there are a few. Like not needing to order a chain from half a world away.

If you are as tough as you say you are, and why wouldn't you be, then go for the heavier wheels. I am not tough and get by hauling them. I also pack really light. Some stuff may break, other stuff will break, rims are the single weakest link on most bikes, of the things that are somewhat hard to repair, and will actually stop you. Imagine a bear is chasing you, you don`t want to have to worry about the rims.

By the way, if you want to spend CK or Thompson money on something, make it your rear hub. Cassette hubs need the royal treatment if anything does.