IMO- people expect too much when comparing wheels. There's plenty of difference in how well wheels hold up, largely reflecting quality of build, but much smaller differences in how they ride after you discount the placibo effect, or subconscious validation of a purchase decision. Weight does make some difference, especially in front wheels where light wheels always feel "snappier" because they don't resist steering inputs as much, but then again tires tend to weigh as much or more than rims, so any benefit is reduced by half.

Im ny almost 50 years of riding, I don't remember ever replacing a working wheel. When one dies from a crash (none of mine ever lived long enough to die a natural death), I rebuild consistent with my general philosophy of light rims, and more light spokes, rather than heavier rim and fewer spokes.