I think a big cost with the nicer tall rim wheels are the hubs. Personally I can't see the difference between a cheap front hub and a more expensive one. So I'd get a set of wheels based on the rim and its "rebuildability". This assumes the rim is strong enough to last a long time.

A Williams 50c seems nice (it was on my short list - I went with used Reynolds DV46c instead) and if the hub ends up disappointing you, you can rebuild the rear using any 32H hub (since it's 24H last time I checked). Rear hubs make a difference to me so I'd be willing to rebuild a wheel simply to get a better rear hub.

Used you should be able to pick up wheels at a good price, it just takes longer. This is why I went with the DV46c - they were about $200 cheaper than new Williams wheels and they included some new tires (4000s), latex tubes (michelin), a ti cassette (no name), wheel bags (black, forget the name on them), truing tool, valve extender, and shipping. Plus they have the nice hubs (White Industries? I get them and the other nice hub mixed up) so no need to rebuild a wheel for the hub.

I have a friend who broke a shoulder on a Mavic wheel - the freehub body freewheeled forward. Two more sets of wheels did the same thing, one while I was riding with him. Don't know what caused it but I'm ignorant enough to keep Mavics off my list of acceptable hubs for now.

cdr