Funny but I did a few centuries with another rider about my size. I used the 32 and he used the 36 spoke wheels. He preached over and over the importance of the 36 hole hub.

I wondered if they were really not as strong since there is less material between each spoke hole since there were more holes. Tandems have more holes but have enlarged flanges to accommodate for the amount of holes and less material between each.

As an inspector, I always wondered why they did not use a slightly large flange as well on the 36. Most parts specify minimum material allowances for durability and integrity requirements.

His 36 hole hub lost a chunk of material between the spoke holes as well. Maybe I was correct in my choice to avoid the flanges with less material between the holes.