Digital BW, The Print

Hello everyone. I've poked around a bit looking for a solution to
getting neutral B&W prints from my new R220 and now am more confused
than ever.

I have many requests to purchase some prints. Nothing fancy, just 4x6
to 8x10's done on Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper.

Not looking to ponder over multiple options anymore.
Can someone just tell me what to buy?

1) I'm assuming I'll have to buy a whole B&W inkset from MIS and
dedicate this printer to BO. No problem, I love the printer for color
but I'll just buy another.

2) What kind of lifespan can I expect from these prints? I do not know
  which machines use dye or pigment inks and what the difference is on
longevity.

3) What kind of purging process is necessary to switchover from color
to B&W. Or should I just buy a brand new machine and install the B&W
cartridges from the get-go?

4) Can I expect reasonable performance should I decide to go with a
different paper source, whether it be the inexpensive Kirkland I've
heard about from Costco or to a higher end paper.

If it matters I've also got an Epson 825 that worked OK for B&W but
that thing is so noisy and slow, especially doing borderless.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Steve