The idea of riding with no rim tape sounds scary (even if there are no spoke heads poking out) but I've never tried it, so I have no authority.
Wanted to add this thought: The best "tire lever" in my arsenal is an old flatblade screwdriver - bent the end in a vice so its got a nice curve, and filed down all the edges so it's smooth. Not the type of thing you want to use if you want to keep your rims pristine though (like, if they're Campy...). I've broken two Nashbar tire levers (not the best, I know) since Christmas working with these crazy kevlar tires, I feel like this homemade tool is what comes through for me every time.