TLDR version: teach me the factors that most directly influence wheel quality, help me decide between Weinman DP18/Velocity/Mavic Open Pros or CXP 33s with a logical justification.

So I experienced the joy of my first car-on-bike accident last night. It ended up being pretty minor (sideswiped, I'm ok, front wheel isn't--but thanks for the hit and run man!). This leaves me needing a new front wheel. Ideally I planned to ride my stock wheelset til they died then replace them with something spiffy when I had the money and knowledge to do so.

Currently I have neither. I know this question gets asked all the bloody time, so I'm trying really hard to search, but most of the comments are contradictory and often based on people having no experience with the wheel in question.

As far as needs: I ride everyday, year round (as an aside does this mean winter will wreak havoc on rims?). Potholes happen, but usually nothing crazy/I swerve to avoid big stuff when I see it. Also typically not jumping curbs/bunnyhopping/anything stupid like that. I weigh in at like 160-170lbs, so not tiny but not quite a clydesdale. My bike is my primary method of commuting, but I also ride for leisure with pals and have done 2 fixed centuries now.

I guess my options are velomine, bicyclewheelwarehouse, and whatever my LBS can make me. Originally I planned to just buy a Weinman DP-18 from the lbs and be back on my bike for the ride home tonight. They don't have front wheels in stock, so I'd be a special order. I asked the guy for options, and he said for pre-built from them its pretty much Weinman laced to Formula with DT Swiss or Velocity Aeroheads/Deep V's to the same. I asked about Open Pros because I've heard nothing but good here, and he said they'd have to custom build a set, running about $300-$350.

I knew Velomine's reputation around these parts was good, so in as much as I'd love to support my LBS I figured I should at least check my options online. It looks like either of them could do stuff for cheaper. This has me considering splurging on some Mavics. $250 could get me open pros laced to formulas from bicyclewheelwarehouse, which seems like a pretty good deal to me. Is this a silly and almost non-noticed upgrade from the Weinman's on a Schwinn Madison? Should I be looking at CXP33s or something instead? Pros/cons to loose ball/sealed ball bearing hubs?

I guess yes, I'd love some advice on best/most practical rims in my situation, but I'd also like to understand the theory of why a certain rim/spoke/hub option is better than another, just to make an informed decision myself. Anything you guys can share would be great.