J, It is rarely less expensive to build your own wheels, but depending how well you do building them, the value is higher, if that makes sense. I used a set of inexpensive ready-made wheels and then tuned them. My wheel's are built with Alivio hubs, straight gauge spokes and Sun CR18 rims. This was my first touring bike build and I didn't want to spend too much if I decided that it wasn't for me and if I liked it I'd upgrade the wheel set. Well it seems like touring is something I like, but I don't feel a need to upgrade.

I don't know that butted spokes are actually stronger than non butted spokes, but on my roadies they seem to help keep the wheel true longer than non butted spokes. The larger lower pressure tires on the touring bike may help as I haven't had a wheel go out of true yet (I probably have cursed myself for writing that.) in two years of use.

Brad