Digital BW, The Print

I know there are several posts on this topic already, but the
technology keeps changing and I can't find any post that addresses my
specific requirements.

I'm looking for a printer to get started.  I've done some traditional
silver darkroom work and love the look of fiber based matte papers -
RC never did much for me.  I also want to print color images (which
presumably means semi-gloss or gloss).  Ideally, I'd like to print
quality B & W and color prints from one printer due to space and
expense considerations.

I'd also like the printer to have some longevity - i.e. when I'm able
to get a second printer, I'd like it to work well as a dedicated B & W
(using K7, MIS or other B & W ink sets) or color printer and have a
carriage that takes 11 x 14 or larger paper and preferably roll paper.

If I have to jump through a bunch of technical hoops to get where I
need to go I'm OK with that.  I'm sure I'll learn a lot in the process.

The Epson 1800 seems to fit most of my criteria, but I'm not sure how
well I can print B & W on it without using the color inks.  I've seen
b & w prints made from color inks and the color cast IMO would be
unacceptable.  Maybe a RIP profile from QTR would work to do some kind
of 100% black printing (as a poster on this board mentioned on their
site a while back), but I'm not sure if the epson's support 100% black
printing.  Is there a way to do all black printing on this printer? 
If not, would an earlier epson (like the 2200) be a better way to go?

Another possibility would be a couple of used 1280's, but they would
take up more space than I have and would have that irritating single
cartridge for all colors thing (limiting ink sets I could use and
costing more cash in consumables).  I'd also have longevity and
support issues to consider as this printer ages.

I could maybe do a pair of R800's, but I wouldn't have the wide
carriage and I'd be afraid of outgrowing this printer if it can't do
sizes greater than 8.5 x 11.

If anyone knows if it's possible to do all black printing on the 1800,
I think that would be ideal.  If not, I'd welcome any alternatives you
could suggest.