Is there usually a difference in rim durability with say 3 spoke rims vs 5 or 6 spoke rims?

I've seen 4 spoke rims take a pounding and not bend, and multi spoke rims bend at just the sight of a pothole. It depends more onthe diameter of the rim, how much tire profile there is to protect the rim, and what the rim is made of (cast aluminum, forgred, magnesium, ect...)

i don't think spokes matter much. most rim bends that are noticeable are on the inside. outside bends are visually noticeable butwon't vibrate as nuch. if i had to choose i'd say that BBS style rims would be most durable becuase they have the most spoke contact points, if your going with that theory. but like todd said most of the durability will be up to the tires you put on

well my good ol spyder GS rims have been through 3 drifting accident (yes they got his and hit hard) and they still roll straight, haha not much I can say for how they look though :P