I've got a clincher set of Miche Pistards, and although it says they're rim-brake compatible, I don't know whether that means they're anodized. Does anybody run a brake on these? Assuming I remove the decals, will the finish wear off?

I want to switch back to brakes because I figure riding helmetless and brakeless... well, my luck will eventually run out. Something's gonna happen.

Or should I just get a cheap front wheel and forget about it?

Rim-brake compatible simply means that the sides of the rims are flat at the top so that brake pads will contact them properly. Those rims are finished in some manner, probably hard annodized, so the finish will probably not wear off if used with brakes. I'm using Cane Creek Volos wheels on my street FG, and the finish has not worn off, however, the brakes squeal really badly. Since the decals are on the braking area, I'd remove them if possible.