Digital BW, The Print

I would be grateful for any thoughts on the following.  For the past few
years, I have been printing mainly with an Epson 1270 instead of in the
darkroom.  The results have generally been excellent (to me), though I was
never able to solve completely the color cast in using Epson OEM inks for
b&w.  For that I switched to a CIS from MIS, and their VM-S inkset, since
sometimes I like a warmer print.  So far, so good.  However, clogging has
become a major issue.  I photograph more than I print, and don't have a
heavy output volume.  Sometimes it is not possible to run nozzle
checks/cleaning cycles for 5-6 days.  Predictably, CIS problems ensue.  I
learned to use MIS pre-filled black cartridges, since the black clogs faster
than the colors.  MIS says the color cartridge needs to be "de-foamed" every
six months, and sure enough, six months after purchase, I can't recover some
of the color nozzles, even with Windex etc.

So, now I am thinking I'm probably not a candidate for a CIS, and I'm a few
printer generations behind also.   My main interest is b&w, usually neutral,
though I do like some toning - I have a "platinum" duotone that is really
nice.  I don't print that large, so a 13x19 printer is fine for  me.  For
the occasional color snapshot, I have a Canon i950 that works fine.  In
going through the posts, I'm thinking that a 2200 with a RIP may be the way
to go (I say RIP like I knew...I've never used one), and the OEM ultrachrome
inks.  Although the inks would be more expensive, and money is always an
object, I'm hoping this combination would accomodate my irregular printing
schedule, and allow neutral b&w, with some tolerance toward cooler and
warmer prints.  Since I don't have a Mac, from the posts it looks like the
Epson RIP is preferred, though the budget will accomodate Image Print.
Almost all of my printing is on matte papers, Epson EEM and Arches Infinity.
When I'm lucky enought to get a good image, the source negative and scan are
usually very good, in technical not necessarily artistic terms.

Am I on the right track?  I don't want to compromise on quality, but I
really don't want to waste time purging cartridges, etc. either.   Thanks
and apologies for the long post.

Regards,

  --Ken Carney
    www.kencarney.com