We have completed many, many tandem miles on Velocity Dyad, and never had any rim issue. Not too heavy, and sturdy enough for light touring.
Deep V doesn't seems to be much different.
A word of caution when you'll build up your wheels: nipples are easily lost inside the double-walled rim, and very hard to retrieve once they are lost... I learned this the hard way.
when I can persuade my lovely control freak partner that she can trust me not to put her in mortal danger.
Riding a tandem is all about mutual confidence, and my lovely partner is excellent at persuading others about that. Send me a PM if you think she could help you on this delicate matter.