Ah, I think the MA3 isn't being made anymore, (although there are still some around for sale) Mavic now has a new improved rim--- the Open Sport.
The Mavic A719 is likely the strongest 700c rim ever made. It's welded, machined sidewalls and has that Mavic magic. It's also about the most pricey rim ever, twice what MA3s cost. Between the A719 and the Open Pro, Mavic pretty much has the 700c rim market cornered. And this is from a long time Sun rims fan-- I'm running Sun Assult and CR18 currently, but I'd have to rate the Mavics as better.
As far as the 32 vs 36 spokes-- I'm pretty sure the A719 is so tough it isn't going to matter. I wouldn't try that with the MA3 or Sun CR18 becuase the're pinned rims and are much weaker and need the 36 spoke support. Mavic rims are designed to use less spokes and still be strong.