I have no better answer than I'm cheap, lazy, and still learning about this stuff. I'd rather have something I can service in an hour or two, should the need arise. I'm sure what you said up there is damn easy, but it's beyond my ability or toolset to do. Freewheels I can do. Screw the old one off, lube it up, screw the new one on, get back to riding. This bike might very well end up being a daily rider for the guy I'm building it for, if it has to be out of comission for a while, I'd rather it be a short one. Freewheels are also cheap as hell, I like the idea of being able to replace the entire chain/freewheel assembly in an hour or two for under $30.

So I guess, in other words, I kinda already made up my mind and will probably just buy a new rear wheel, unless I get a better idea. Or unless you guys have one..