QTR-Quadtone RIP

Hi All,

I have successfully created good solid curves, linearized data and ICC profiles through 
QTR, and have done so using "No Color Management" at every step.  With images I almost 
always start out with a 16-Bit RGB file and do all of the serious image editing, spotting, 
etc. at this stage.  When I am satisfied with the image I use the "Channel Mixer" with the 
"Monochrome" box checked to convert the image to gray values – of course it isn't actually 
"converted" yet which brings me to my question… I have to "Convert to Grayscale" first or I 
won't see my profile listed in the dropdown menu, but once I have done this and I choose 
my profile I end up with a significant change to the grayscale values.

I would like to use Channel Mixer but what's the point if my values are going to change 
from what I desire?  And, once I have applied my profile then I have to make an adjustment 
layer with "Curves" to get the image back where I want it.  What am I missing??  All of a 
sudden it seems like I have to create an adjustment curve whether I go through the 
"Calibration" and curve creation process or not.

I have many B&W images that are still in Adobe RGB (1998) with the Channel Mixer box 
checked and when I convert these to Grayscale and then apply my profile I end up having 
to make a serious adjustment curve that ends up just destroying more information.  I have 
always tried to stay in 16-Bit RGB (1998) until final tonal adjustment and then convert 
precisely for the reason of NOT destroying information but now it seems I have to convert, 
apply profile and then make another adjustment layer.  Is there a better way of working??

Also, if I use "No Color Management" the whole time in Calibrating, Linearizing and 
creating an ICC Profile why won't my image print correctly if I choose "No Color 
Management" when printing it?

I work on a Mac and use an Epson 2400 printer.

Please help if you can and thank you,

Cody