Digital BW, The Print

Are there best practices suggested for converting color images to bw using the tools 
available in the Camera Raw UI? I have been working this way and like the immediacy of it. 
But I wonder if it's the most appropriate method for best results? I first desaturate 
completely, then toy with the rest of the sliders to achieve a favorable histogram and 
visual look... I am curious about the list's thoughts about the sharpness tool as well as 
luminance, etc. Once satisfied I open as rgb and immediately convert to grayscale and 
preview in my softpreview setting that closely matches my printer (epson 3000, MIS FS 
quads, QTR, Mac). Any thoughts?

Thanks much,

Jamie Gannon