Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,538
Likes: 791
From: Middle of da Mitten
Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Catrike Speed
Reality check #1 - skinnier tires will always have less shock absorption capability than fatter tires.
Reality check #2 - rims should be considered maintenance parts. Sooner or later they WILL need replacing.
Reality check #3 - Going slightly outside Sheldon Brown's chart will not hurt anything.
The damage you describe probably came from hitting a pot hole. Pay to have the rim replaced and get on with your life.