Digital BW, The Print

Hey,

I'm having trouble printing this image: 
http://flickr.com/photos/brianechapman/117916981/

The problem is with the transition between the light on the horizon 
and the sky.  I can not seem to get a smooth transition to the sky if 
I print any smaller than 12x12 (even at that size it's a little bit 
noticeable).  If I print 8x8 there are visible "cutoffs" as each major 
tonal change progressing from white (the very center of the light) to 
black (the sky) and especially between the last two steps (between 
almost black and completely black.)

If I print BO the transition is much less "stepped" and looks much 
better but I want to be able to print this one continuous tone.  

The image looks fine on screen (my screen now matches the prints very 
closely).  I've tried dozens of small adjustments to the image but 
nothing seems to work.  

Any ideas as to what else I can try?  

Equipment:
Epson R220
UT-R2 inks
BO & full ink methods
EEM paper
with and without Paul's QTR profiles

Thanks!!!!!

Brian
http://www.brianchapmanphotography.com