Digital BW, The Print

I have a Mac computer and an Epson 2200.  I have done some
experimentation with both OpenPrintmaker and QTR with the Epson OEM UC
inks.  I like the results so far.  A huge improvement over the
standard Epson driver in terms of being free of metamerism and color
shifts. Also, I have had no problems with clogging, banding, etc.  I
also do a small amount of color.  

My question is this:  Can I expect an improvement in image quality
from UT7 over OEM UC ink (with OPM or QTR) that it would be worth it
to give up the ability to do color, to spend more money for ink and to
possibly live with clogging, banding, cleaning cycle rituals, etc that
seem to be a fact of life with third party inks? 

My perception is that the longevity should be approximately the same
between UT7 and the OEM UC inks.  Is this correct?

Has anyone compared these two options and made a switch from OEM UC
inks (with OPM or QTR) to UT7?  If so, can you describe to me the
differences?

Thanks,

Dave Gordon