Originally Posted by Mr. Fly

Generally speaking, +1.

If you want strong wheels, don't be too hung up on weight, as lower weight generally means lower strength. Commercial "factory" wheels are generally poor value since they're really expensive, usually cater to lighter weight folks, and usually have proprietary parts that you either can't get replacements for or the replacements are really expensive. (e.g., go price out Ksyrium spokes)

You can easily get a durable and moderately light set of wheels for significantly below $1000 if you forgo the bling. Something like Ultegra hubs, 32/36 f/r mix, good quality butted spokes with brass nipples and perhaps Velocity Synergy offset spoke bed rims. Then (and this is the most important part), get a good wheelbuilder to build it for you.

As an example (not affiliated nor was ever a customer), Rich Lesnik, who has a pretty good reputation around where I live, charges about $500 for the aforementioned wheelset. If you like more fanciful hubs like DT240s, it's still around $750. There are others who are as good so you should ask around. Do remember that the skill of the wheelbuilder is a critical component to durable wheels, so machine-built wheels from some place like Performance may cost less with the same parts list, but they will not be as durable in use.