There's more to wheels than price and aero.

First is the budget, a 20 year old might not have the disposable income of a 50 year old.

I've only owned 2 sets of carbon wheels. I has Easton for 3 years and they constantly need to be trued. Eventually my front wheel was send back under warranty and they replaced all the spokes and nipples... it took 6 months.

When I purchased my "dream" bike I went with Zipp 303s. Budget was not an issue and since I don't race, aero was not the most important. What I did get was a set of wheels that are relatively light, pretty aero and rock solid reliable. I have 30,000 miles and they are still perfectly straight.

To me that's better than money in the bank.