Digital BW, The Print

Please forgive asking such a basic question, but I have been going
over Paul Roark's website, the printing guide linked to from this
group, the various MIS inkset descriptions, and other material for
nearly two hours and only getting more and more buried. It is
particularly confusing that the various materials have all been
last-updated at wildly varying times...

My question: I have a now-aging Epson 2200. Color output is vivid, but
I have always been disappointed in its B&W performance, especially
after seeing well-executed carbon-inkset prints. I am interested in
converting it to B&W-only. I am quite fond of Moab's Entrada Natural
paper and plan to keep using it unless someone thinks this is a
terrible idea.

I would greatly appreciate it if someone could please help me understand:

- What is the best low-to-medium-hassle inkset I should start with? I
have a flatbed scanner but no colorimeter or density meter, and would
prefer not to purchase either. I am willing to do some experimentation
to profile my printer but would be delighted with a reasonably good
canned profile.

- Is there a reasonably-priced (not new retail) alternative to the
2200 that would enable me to use a significantly better inkset? I
would consider getting a second printer on the used market if the 2200
would mean too many compromises. On the other hand I am happy to stick
with the 2200 if it will let me use a reasonably good inkset.

Many thanks!

Mark