is the most honest answer you're gonna get from the various
wheel weenies and self styled experts that always descend
on threads like this.

Your spoke sheared off at the bend, I presume? (I'm not
even certain what you mean by "generic Shimano hubs",
but I assume you mean a standard flange and spokes that
have a more or less right angle bend at the head?)

Spokes almost always fail as a result of fatigue, from
continuous flexing cycles, so your longevity is in direct
relation to a number of factors. Load (how heavy are you
and what you carry?) both static and dynamic, the
quality of the build (have the spokes been stress relieved
as part of the process? are the bends supported by the flange
in terms of spoke line? are the tensions either maxed or at
least tight enough in relation to your weight as a rider?),
number of spokes in the wheel (and in my opinion, under 32
spokes in wheels are the technological equivalent of the bike
mechanics full employment act.....there are other opinions),
quality of spokes, .........I've probably forgotten something,
but you get my drift.

Yes, 3,000 miles ain't real good. No, in today's world of crappy
wheels and shoddy quality machine builds, it ain't at all unusual
for this to happen. In my experience with them, Wheelsmith
puts out an excellent product. My recent experience with them
is limited because I pretty much go with DT's.

I know exactly Jack Squat about Pillar.

If it's just one spoke, it's worth replacing it and retensioning,
truing, and stress relieving the wheel and crossing your fingers.
If others then start to fail........time for a rebuild or a different wheel.

@ Mr. Bunny, who is drawn to these threads like flies to ****;
hiya Bubba, how's it hangin' ?