Digital BW, The Print

Hi all, 

 I'm currently using an 1800 for color. I am interested in dedicating 
a printer for high quality B&W. I've been told that piezography is the 
way to go. This brings a few questions to mind:

1-Has the problem of heads blocking been solved? 
2-How does piezography compare to Quadtone Rip? 
3-Does it matter whether I use an Epson 1280 or a 2200 
   for piezography? (I'd have to buy the dedicated printer.) 

Best 
Howard