I asked this question in the mountain bike section and it did not work out.
I need to get a new hub for my rear wheel on my commuter but sometimes singletrack bike. I rebuilt the hub and the race is pitted. Anyway I figure I can use the old wheels to learn how to build wheels and buy a new set for my main ride, a rockhopper. I was looking at getting either a set of rhynolites 36h with xt hubs for $129. Right next to these are a set of Rhynolite XL's 32h welded.

How much stronger is a welded rim compared to a non-welded rim?
How much stronger is a 36h compared to a 32h?

I am in the 220lb range and I want to make an informed choice, I just am not informed enough to do so. I am more interested in the technical answers than which wheel is better, though I am curious what you think.