Wheels are just another wear item -- like tires on your car; when they wear out, get some more. Grumbling at the price is allowed for both.

You might consider putting new rims on your old wheels as a winter project. Get (a) identical rims to what's on there now, or (b) rims with the same ERD. Tape the new rim to the old wheel, transfer spokes one at a time, then true and tension. Cost for the rims only will be about $120-200, depending on what's on there now and what you replace it with. Repack the bearings while you're in there if spring hasn't arrived by then!