Originally Posted by Bike Gremlin

When I use the cheap, poor quality spokes, stronger rims and higher tension help a lot, especially for the strong, heavy, high-mileage riders.

Of course, if I could choose, I'd rather go with good-quality swagged spokes and a "weaker" rim, than the vice-versa.
But, in my experience, stronger rims do help (and higher tension, up to a point, does make for a stronger wheel).

Relja