Dabster:-I see your point (no, your flies arent un-done) about it coming from the factory like that so it is better to get it right rather than pi55 about with sealant and all that.
However sikaflex around the rim tape does seem popular and people say it works and I can see no reasons to doubt that and I cant see any problems of using it! And when the time comes to turn a tire and you need a new rim tape, if the sika doent just pull out I am sure petrol would shift it.
So personally when I have to turn my tire I will try to sort it without sealant but if that fails I will certainly try the sikaflex around the tape! But, I would not try the covering the spoke nipples as this sounds very messy and I am not sure how affective it would be.
These are just MY opinions.
Cheers
Sean