Tires, and tire pressures, can/will make a bigger difference in the ride quality than merely a wheel choice. Using 700X25 tires and, depending on your weight, about 95~100 psi makes for a very nice ride with little chance of pinch flats.
My objection(s) to 'boutique' wheels is; often the inability to get them serviced locally, affect any field repairs and even if the company repairs their wheels for you, unless you have a back up set your bike is down for several weeks.
-------------------- Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.