Digital BW, The Print

Is setting up to use ABW worth the bother? Having spent days to achieve 
WYSIWYG for colour images why not just use these settings to produce 
mono? I have taken great care to produce a neutral mono greyscale with 
a smooth transition through a 21 step wedge as part of my tests. I have 
developed a curves adjustment layer to apply to the image file to get 
the gamma and shadow values spot on prior to sending to the printer so 
I do not really need the gamma adjustments offered by ABW mode 
(lighter,darker etc). 
Any changes you make in ABW are previewed on a pathetically small 
picture of Epson's choosing (nice lady but not really appropriate for a 
landscape photographer). I would much rather preview in Photoshop where 
I can apply colour tone as required and if I want to lower highlight 
values to reduce bronzing I can do it without lowering the midtones too 
(unlike highpoint shift). All the other sliders cannot be accurately 
judged on the small preview picture meaning endless test prints to view 
the changes. They also seem to presume you haven't achieved WYSIWYG 
when viewing in PS.
Am I missing something or has ABW got nothing going for it?

Pete.