Digital BW, The Print

Ok, I have to admit...I'm not a technician.  My strong suit is getting 
aesthetically pleasing and compelling images captured to the camera -
getting them on to paper is another story! 
Since I'm finding all of this a bit overwhelming at the moment i'm 
going to try asking what I think are simple questions in hopes of 
getting simple, straightforward answers.

1)  can I use plain inkjet paper for nozzle checks and head 
alignments?  i've ended up using Epson Premium Glossy photo paper so 
far and that seems excessive to have to do it that way. 

2)  Twice while running the alignment utility, the job has given me a 
paper mismatch error even though I'm certain i set up the parameters 
correctly (run from the printer console, not from the pc applet).  
Anyone ever have this issue?

3)  I read somewhere (maybe here) that the printer switches between 
photo black/matte black cartridges automatically depending on the type 
of paper you tell it you're using.  My understanding is that you have 
to switch the cartridges from the printer console (even though both 
cartridges are installed, you have to manually switch which one is 
used).  Am i correct?

4)  After finally running the first head alignment and nozzle check, I 
was able to print some great prints.  Let the printer sit for two days 
and the next print that came off the printer had vertical banding 
again. Ran both the nozzle and alignment utilities and it began 
printing fine again.  Do both of these utilities fix the banding or 
was it just the alignment utility?

5)  Would anyone like to buy my brand new 3800 for a good price and 
become my personal printer? :)


thanks for all the advice!

Ian