I can see that rims and wheels are available online quite easily, now lets look at real world. The 3 LBS around me do not carry 26" V brake wheels. So while on a tour, an accident/ failure occurs, Do I order the new wheel online and wait 3-7 days while it arrives.
Will that happen? Who the heck knows? I strive to be prepared, more than the average tourer. I aim to be self reliant, which is why even on day trips I carry enough tools to perform almost any repair. I am also referring to other options listed on what I would consider the "perfect bike". Perfect in the sense that It has what I want, from wheel size, to handle bars to number of bosses.
Not sure who has been following, but I have repeated "looking" not set out to purchase tomorrow. It must be the bike I want, for the price I am willing to pay. It could happen tomorrow or maybe in 6 months or a year.
I am patient and in the mean time, I use my present bike with no reservations, I ride and watch. I read and experiment.