Rims keep bending

OTOH, I don't see yet how a caliper could bend a wheel like you described, and even when you don't or hear anything 'funny' while driving.
It's possible the rim bent from something entirely unrelated. The new rim, as far as I can tell, doesn't appear to actually be bent. I kind of assumed it was when I heard it rub the caliper again. But I put it on the other side and it seems fine.

I just ordered new clips, $2 but it'll take a few days.