I'm rolling on a set of 32 spoke Velocity Fusion - DT - Phil's that I built a couple months ago. The Fusion is ~$65 a piece and plenty strong and lighter than the Deep-V's. I run a folding RibMo on the front and a Gatorskin on the back...I highly recommend the RibMo. I commute in LA on those everyday and do pretty long group rides on weekends on the same set. I haven't had anything to complain about.

As far as your flats go...investing in a proper pump (lyzyne floor pump) was one of the best investments I made so far...Having solid tires that are properly inflated will solve most of your problems. I work in NoHo in a somewhat industrial area, I was getting a few flats a month...I haven't had one since I built up the new wheelset and check their pressure every other day.