Digital BW, The Print

I've been reading raves about this Photo Rag paper.  Is anyone using 
it with an Epson 2200?  If so, here are my questions:

(1) Are you using it WITHOUT a custom profile, and if so, what 
settings do you use in the Epson software? E.g., so you set the Media 
Type to "Velvet Fine Art;" "Premium Glossy," or what?  Do you use 
the "relative colormetric" and "postscript color management" 
settings, and print in Photorealistic mode under color management?

(2) How does it compare to Epson Velvet Fine Art (which I quite like 
with this printer, but I'm always willing to try something new)?

(3) Photo Black or Matte Black ink with this paper?

(4) Most importantly, how are the results for black and white prints?

(5) Other thoughts on Photo rag w. the 2200?

I know that many of you will say "get a custom profile."  That's a 
financial expense I can't handle at the moment.  I tried Ilford's 
Classic Pearl, and set it up as instructed by Ilford (I used Premium 
Glossy as the paper setting) and the prints came out a horrific 
purple.  I'm trying to avoid buying more expensive paper if I can't 
achieve good (not "perfect") results without a custom profile.

(By the way, I have 23 (out of 25) sheets of 11x17 Ilford Classic 
Pearl for sale if anyone's interested, since I can't figure out how 
to get good results from that paper.)

Thanks!