Digital BW, The Print

I'm not sure about the other Epson K3 printers, but one thing that
I've noticed with the ABW mode on the 3800 is that d-max is quite a
bit better (both visually noticeable as well as measurable). Min L*
for PK paper on the 3800 is typically in the 5 to 6 range for color,
but in the 2-3 range for ABW. Matte papers vary a bit more in their
density capabilities, but the results are similar (L* = 16 for Velvet
Fine Art in color, L* = 14 in ABW). This doesn't by itself translate
to better shadow detail, but it does give you a bit more tonal range
in the print to play with.

FWIW, I build my own profiles for the ABW mode and I've been pleased
with going that route. The only time I will print in RGB mode is when
I want to do a split tone or something of that nature (e.g., warm
midtones, neutral highlights).

Eric