I don't know much about wheels, but I do know that they aren't going to make an occasional rider noticably faster. Is this a false statement? You might be an elite rider who can appreciate whatever a set of top-end wheels adds to your bike...but a rec rider is going to get pretty much nothing but bling. Just like a $2000 set of golf clubs is not going to make an occasional golfer with a wicked slice a better golfer...or a $150 pair of running shoes is not going to make a recreational runner run faster. I'm just trying to give the OP some practical advice.

There probably should be a term for non-pro riders who simply must have the most expensive items available. I've seen these guys with car enthusiasts, racquetball players, golfers, motorcyclists, photographers, audiophiles (stereo guys)...pretty much every hobby/activity has them.