Digital BW, The Print

>...current favorites for natural matte, very low/no flaking, great dmax, archival, and so on. 

I do like the Epson Hot Press natural.  With the Eboni-base inksets I use its relatively low increase in the Lab B (warmth) from the paper white to the maximum Lab B makes for a nice, close to neutral image, with just a hint of warmth.  I find it neutral enough that clouds, snow and white water look white in my landscapes, as opposed to the yellowish tint that all too often happens with 100% carbon.  It has an excellent dmax also.

I have had some flaking, unfortunately, but with care it's been acceptable.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com