Digital BW, The Print

Well, I'm stumped. I simply cannot produce an acceptable print with my
CIS-converted Epson 1200 using MIS (original) 6-tone inks on Epson
Archival Matte (or any paper, for that matter) with the Brandin
curves/workflow. Why? 

Banding. I can't get rid of it. I've tried all the suggested
procedures: cleaning cycles, repeated alignment cycles with the paper
I'm printing with, thickness lever on both + and 0... it only gets
worse, not better. Is this simply endemic to the 1200? Do I need the
printhead aligned by an Epson shop? Do I need a new printhead? A new
printer? (A new life?)

Also, is there a generally-accepted best choice of
workflow/profile/etc for the 1200/MIS/EAM combo?

I'm about to switch back to silver, if it weren't for people saying
things like "hey, this is even BETTER than silver". 

Ah, for the smell of fixer.

Harry