Originally Posted by halfspeed
I suspect the trend away from eyelets has to do with the trend towards "aero" profile rims. I suspect that the trend towards "aero" rims is largely due to the improved visibility of the manufacturer's name and model number on the sides.
And I suspect you're right on both counts...
The mechanics of aero profile rims not needing eyelets is because the a-frame shape of the rim doesn't need reinforcement the way that a flat or box-section rim does...
That said, I've seen plenty of aero-profile rims that have cracked where the spokes go in.