gauvins

Yes. Interesting observation. Jan Heine has an interesting post on the topic. As you suggested, the core of the argument is that flexible (up to a point) wheels are stronger. And that would extend to the number of spokes (he writes that while 36 spokes was the norm, he's now riding on 28 spokes front, 32 rear). He also mentions the fact that wider tires contribute to wheel strength.

Not entirely clear to me if flexible (i.e. double butted aluminium spokes + wide tire at lower pressure) will make a more durable wheel (a) over time, on relatively smooth surfaces, because elasticity reduces the stress of a revolution, which is repeated a very large number of times; or (b) handles hard landing or rough roads better because the impact is absorbed rather than "fought" by the structure. (not unlike a glass disk that will shatter when dropped on the ground, vs a rubber disk that will not be damaged at all).