All manufacturers will cut costs wherever possible and the odd downgrade on groupset- some of the components and wheels are the usual ones to do. Unless you are going to settle into the occasional rider and not doing mileage then OM wheels are the easiest upgrade to do. I know for me the components will never get changed on a bike (Bars and stems etc) and even the downgraded parts on the groupset will only get changed when they wear out. BUT wheels are an easy change and one that will give performance. May not be in speed but handling will be better.

Now I am a lightweight but even I notice wheel flex on the fast downhills with cheaper wheels. Disconcerting to see the rim moving sideways as you tackle that curve on a fast descent. In fact I have found what are curves on a decent set of wheels are a corner with cheap ones.

Most of the "ODD" lacing patterns has disappeared on most wheels and I would look dubiously at the minimal number of spokes on some wheels if I had a bit of weight behind me. There are plenty of wheels that are good and not exorbitantly priced on the market and other members cam recommend various makes and models- but I am a firm believer in Hand built wheels. They may not be the lightest around and the quality of the builder has to be taken into account so start looking for those bargains that are around- and decide what you need in the wheels.