Heatherbikes

Hi, I finally picked up my wheels with sturmey archer drum brake and 5 speed hub with drum brake. I had a guy build them who supposedly specializes in them, so I took my hubs to him. I asked him about cr-18's but he had a blank look, but promised he would find appropriate rims. He called and said he had polished silver rims. So, I pick them up, and the rims are alex rims. kind of wide, not polished and definitely would change the look of the bike. Then the mechanic goes on a tirade about how dumb internal geared hubs are! And he specializes in them...
I have had such bad luck with bike shops doing stuff for me, not listening etc...
So, are the alex rims fine or should I be crying?
Also, the original wheels are in much better shape than I thought, so may consider selling as well as the original brake levers and brakes. Is there a market for this 'correct' stuff?