My job is to meet the realistic goals of the rider. By doing so, within the rider's budget, I will produce wheels that are efficient, strong, and light and will require little or no maintenance. Additionally, by avoiding proprietary parts that are hard for typical bike shops to stock, my wheels are easily serviceable at even a small facility.
My wheels are comfortable, too. Stainless steel spokes make the best wheels. I use J-bend spokes and standard nipples. Stainless steel spokes make wheels that are stiff yet comfortable.
Lacing patterns from radial to four-cross are a matter for me to decide with the rider. Standard crossing patterns are a known quantity, but I recognize the 'cool factor' of radial lacing and have built many such wheels. Radial works well provided that the components are properly chosen.
For me, turning wheels over to a customer is like sending my children out into the world. I like to know how they are doing. I ask customers to give me periodic feedback on how my wheels are meeting their expectations. I value their feedback and trust.