QTR-Quadtone RIP

Hi gang,

 I just joined and started reading some of the postings this weekend.
 I've been a professional photographer for over twenty years and have
been printing on Epson's Gemini 1 (Epson 5500's) and now Gemini 2
system with (2) Epson 4000 printers for years. (Not that that matters)
 
I have an original Epson 7500 printer that I bought like 8 years ago.
 I think I might be on my "third" set of cartridges.  The printer is
in great shape with very little use.  I mostly printed a few banners
and some portraits on it, but I wasn't pleased with the skin-tones. 


Rather than eBay it, I want to do more "fine-art" B&W printing on some
of the really nice papers. I've already downloaded the Quadtone RIP
software and been reading a bit.  I'll be happy to pay the $50 as soon
as I get it printing.


Is it worth converting to Quadtones?

Should I use the Epson inks with the RIP or go ahead and get the K6 inks?

If so, do I need to make a decision on which set to get:  Selinium,
Sepia, SplitTone or Neutral?  I tend to like a slightly warm print.

Where's a good place to buy?  I see them on Inkjet Mall. or can I buy
them direct?

I saw where the image needs to be a Tiff file.  Does it also need to
be greyscale before printing or leave it in RGB?

I'll be printing on a backup G4 mac (accelerated) with OSX Tiger
probably using my older version Photoshop CS.  Epson doesn't make a
current set of drivers for this printer and OSX that I've found.  I
found it prints best in Classic OS9 with PS 7.  I guess the QT RIP
software will fix this dilemma.
 
Do I really need the $400 flushing cartridges?

One last thing,  I also have an Epson 1270.  Should I look into
converting it also.  I thought I'd get the 7500 running and then there
would be no need unless I wanted to print small stuff - postcards, etc.

 - OR, just sell'em and go buy an Epson 7880 or 9880.

Excellent article in AfterCapture Magazine.  Thats what fired up my
interest again.  I been reading a little over the years now its time
to do something.

Thanks for your help!  Sorry for the length and all the questions.  If
you knew how slow I type...

Ken

P.S. Any favorite settings and paper combinations would help.