I haven't had any problems with the Surly/MA3 combos they sell down at the hub. I think they're made by WheelHouse or WeelBuilder or something that starts with wheel - it was local, out in Shakopee or somewhere. Think it might be a sub-company of Quality, but don't know.

The last one I had held up well untill I was rear-ended - even then, the rim snapped, but none of the spokes broke, and the front bumper of the car didn't make it all the way up to my frame.

But I only weigh 140, so there's probably a lot less stress on mine than yours.

Was it a new wheel or re-furbished? If it's used, it wouldn't surprise me if it looked the best because they had to put the most time into getting it true again...