We have several sets of relatively basic hand-built wheels in our household, but I'll be honest that I haven't seriously priced or considered pre-builts and have only a vague notion anymore of what's on the market and how they compare. At the time, I liked the idea of getting something that was specifically made for my size/weight, and the price at the time seemed pretty reasonable. My wheels were built in early 2007 and remain problem-free. My husband overhauled the hub (a White Industries H1 hub) as part of his standard maintenance last year, but it was a straightforward process.
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher