Digital BW, The Print

I second that idea...scanning as positive/rgb and make sure the 
histogram is open at  both ends. I would also add that using Vuescan 
and doing a RAW scan is another way to get maximum information in 
black and white scans...
Personally, i have dropped the RGB needs but scan as 
grayscale/positive. The one thing is that the scan needs to be really 
"printed," in the old school way. Levels, curves...work it in PS 
because the scan is flat and needs attention. The payoff is that all 
the information is there...
Paul
-- 
Paul Kohl
Visiting Professor, Photography
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore