So I called Montano Velo, they suggested a $225 setup:
Hub - Shimano 105 (FH-5600 ... though wouldn't I need the 5501 to fit an 8-speed?) ($70 there, $58 shippted online)
Rim - Velocity Dyad touring rim ($70 there, $55 shipped online)
Spokes - double butted ($28 ... so a little less than $1 each).
That seems like a great wheel, but $225 is over my budget (even if purchase parts online only save $27 ... not worth hating on LBS) compared with the $175 wheel from Rivendell. But the Rivendell wheel would require a cold set of my frame (130mm to 135mm ... no biggie, but still).
They also suggested other rims - Mavic t719 (bit more $) or Sun rhyno lites (cheaper, but not much ... though $45 shipped online).
Any other thoughts? Glad for all your advice!