Digital BW, The Print

All,
Okay - so I'm finally going to do it - going to order a 1280 and start off 
with the UT inkset.  I therefore have a few questions about exactly what 
I'll need, and what I should do.  Now, I know that much of this has been 
mentioned at various points, but my composite understanding of the process 
is a bit unclear, and I'm a bit confused by all the options on the MIS 
website.  So...sorry for the possibly annoying questions.  Let me see if I 
got this straight:

-is there an advantage (other than cost, presumably), to filling my own 
carts rather than buying the pre-filled ones?

-do I need to run the Epson inks through the printer first to make sure 
everytyhing works?  

-when I switch to the UT inks, do I need to wait some time before actually 
printing?  I read a reference to something like that, but am unsure.

-Do I need to get the cleaning cartridges from MIS, or will simply putting 
in the UT carts and running the purge pattern for 5 or so prints be 
sufficient?  The MIS page says just run the pattern, but some of you have 
mentioned using the clear fluid cleaning cartidges.

Any other general tips and hints to help ensure a smooth setup?  

thanks,
allan