Ha, you do have a point. Perhaps "employee" would have been the better descriptor, since I believe he watches the shop and does basic repairs when the owner isn't in.

I may try to check a few things with the wheel on my own, but I'll probably try and take it to a larger bike shop this weekend. One thing I am wondering, though: since I'm mostly certain the wheel was properly built and this issue only came along this summer, what could have caused it? Some dynamics between the lighter and heavier gauge spokes, coupled with my 210 pounds on top of it? I've hit some good bumps and holes with it, but none were enough to significantly untrue the wheel. Over 3,000 miles it only developed a very slight wobble (I think this was a result of a couple miles of rough gravel), which the LBS fixed (same err, employee) when I brought it in that first time.

Would you all advise that, for any future wheels, I go with something stouter? I've not had any trouble out of the front wheel yet; still straight and true.