First thing, are we talking 26" or 700c? LHT comes in both.
Either way, I can't see any problem with 36, and I can't see any advantage to 32. 4 spokes is irrelevant in weight and does build a stronger wheel. That said the 35 is the safe standard for 700c and the 32 is the safe standard for 26, it's just that if you can get 36 onto a 26 without the weirdness costs that attend builds with the 40s and 48s, then why wouldn't one.
A person's weight is pretty much irrelevant to the wheel strength issue the dynamic factors are far greater. It depends how hard you are on wheels.
Cost is another mater, these days one does find rocking deals on 32s, can't help you there.