I went through the same dilemma when I purchased my new Serotta Fierte Steel. I now have 1,000 miles on the wheels with no problems. I have not ridden other wheels on this bike so I do not know if they would make a difference. If I had to do it over again, I would probably get a higher spoke count wheel with round spokes for strength/longevity/peace of mind and less crosswind turbulence.
Lower spoke count wheels definitely require proper maintenance, loosening all the spokes to retrue and special spoke wrench, but they are Shimano quality and if tensioned properly from the start they will be fine. I weight 215 lbs fully clothed. My front wheel came slightly out of true on my first ride but was easily corrected by tightening one spoke.