"...HED just released an Ardennes Plus GP..."

I'd pick a different hubset and build myself, or have someone else build.

With cxray up front, Race drive side, Laser nondrive side, methinks Tom at GVH can beat those prices you quoted.

It's been a few years, maybe three - my set as previously quoted < $750 before skewers - I had skewers that time, having learned from before.

Tom doesn't (well, didn't) carry HED rims - you can get them for less than 130 if you try (last time I bought a C2, 85 on special with discount).