Digital BW, The Print

Tim, 

One thing you did not mention in your comparison was luminesce or what
I call "snap".  I have no doubt that non-BO prints have better subtle
tonality and from such a better rendition of smoother detail in
"dotty" areas of the print.  Having used an 1160 with quadtones I can
see what a less dotty prints looks like.  However along with that more
subtle tonality I found came a loss of vibrance or snap to the image. 
When getting out the loupes and/or when looked at with a purely
technical eye I have no doubt you are correct: less dots, more
detailed tonal changes.  From a more "working" standpoint of which
print has a more vibrant look (granted, IMO) I find that BO prints,
when viewed from across the room, or framed under glass and from a
typical viewing distance, have better attractiveness and are more
attention-getting.  My unscientific experience in showing
non-photographers prints side by side or in general confirms this as
well.  It's been said that contrast or perceived contrast can have a
stronger effect on the human eye than resolution.  That comparison,
while somewhat analogous, might be relevant here too.  And of course
in the end what's "best" will vary from subject matter to subject
matter and also from photographer to photographer.

Would be interesting to see flatbed scans of the prints you are comparing.

Richard