Biketouringhobo, IME wheels with 14-15-14 ga. required less frequent truing touch-ups than straight 14 ga. wheels. Both wheel sets were very similar except for the spokes. Strength of either was never an issue.
My two touring bikes have straight gauge spokes, one has 14 ga. and the other with 15 ga. spokes. The one with 15 ga. spokes (OEM spec. in '96) is an ultra high mileage example with a couple of 14 ga. spoke replacements in the rear wheel.
Brad