I've built a grand total of two wheelsets in my life, and while they turned out to be nice wheels (they were mtb wheels) and it was satisfying to build them, I've long since decided the most practical way to go is to buy mail-order wheelsets and then go over them with a fine tooth comb before I use them. Most reports I see of mail-order wheels indicate the spokes are typically undertensioned right out of the box. My experience is almost always contrary to this, at least with the rear wheel. Regardless, I completely re-tension the wheel if I feel it's necessary, but it's not always needed. Another thing to look for is that the spokes are properly seated at the flanges. I'm telling you all this because, in my opinion, you're better off looking for a good deal on a pre-built wheel and tweaking it as needed when you get it. Cost-wise, you'll come out better, and you'll have all new parts. Unless you're wanting to build wheels as a hobby or something, it makes no sense to me to build wheels with separately purchased parts. Currently I've got four nice mail order wheelsets (3 mtb, one road), and I couldn't be happier with them. After my initial "quality control" procedures, they've been completely trouble free. I also still have one of the two wheelsets I built, and it's no better, no worse than the mail order wheels I've owned. It sounds like you're wanting your wheels to do what wheels really should do: roll down the road with only very occasional truing necessary, to not break spokes, and to basically be something you don't have to think about very often. From a cost-return perspective, I think the best way to get there is with a pre-built wheelset. I realize that with the current rear wheel you're talking about, it may be practical to build it back up with the MA2 rim, new spokes, and hope for the best. But for your future wheelset needs, I'd seriously consider the pre-built route. For those who like to build their own wheels, I completely understand the desire to want to do it yourself, the pride factor, etc. Just wanted to give another viewpoint on the subject. If I were building a "dream bike," I doubt I'd go with a mail order wheelset, I'd be very tempted to build the wheels myself (mostly for the pride of having done it) or even pay a professional wheelbuilder to do it. But for everyday practicality (and that sounds like what you're looking for), I've found the pre-built route hard to beat if you're willing to check them thoroughly before using them -