QTR-Quadtone RIP

After spending a collective total of (probably) over 50 hours trying
to get Quadtone RIP to work for me, I'm effectively throwing in the
towel. I guess this technology is simply beyond me. Kindly forgive the
drama. It's the voice of frustration.

Some background Information:

I'm on a Mac - OSX 10.5 using an Epson 3800, own a T/R densitometer,
and printing to Pictorico/Inkpress white film (OHP) (for digital
negatives). I first came across QTR a few months back. I was
intrigued, but never quote took to it as the documentation was, at
best, "non-linear" and at worst, just plain confusing. In the last
couple of weeks I figured I'd try my hand at it. I've read every shred
of information I could get my hands on. Everything from Ron Reeder's
site, some other documents/tutorials I came across, stuff posted on
this forum, and the list goes on. Things just don't add up. 

In a nutshell - I simply do not understand the concepts involved in
calibrating, linearizing and/or otherwise making good use of this
technology. I have no idea how to "interpret" the ink-distribution
file and everything I've come across seems to skip steps. I had a
college professor like that some 10 years back. That didn't work out
either, sadly. But as is the case here, I don't seem to be alone in my
frustration.

Would/Could someone take the time to explain how to use this gizmo,
step-by-step, as if you were talking to a four year old? (figuratively).

The questions are endless...

- Does QuadTone RIP print greyscale images using color just by virtue
of selecting the appropriate profile from the drop-down list within
the print dialogue? 

I ask because I'd like to take advantage of printing greyscale digital
negatives in all available colors as it would undoubtedly eliminate
the "holes".

- One document I read (I forget the title, but I'm sure folks here
will recognize what I'm referring to) says to measure patches off of
the calibration print (InkSeparation8.tif) to see where "one ink
leaves off and the other can pick up". How does that work in practical
terms? Where/how do you "indicate" this in the profile text file?
Also, ink density (in my experience/experimentation) isn't always
proportionate to "blocking power". I would think that to be part of
the point of using multiple colors as each has it's own blocking
properties. 

- What's the difference between using 2-greys vs. all 8-greys? 

- What is the concept of linearizing as pertains to QTR? What's the
difference between that and the "Grey Curve" setting?

Anyways... As you can see. I have bits & pieces in my head but
absolutely nothing cohesive (heh.. probably in more ways then QTR!).
But from what I've come across in my research, I'm certainly not
alone. I know I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box but I've read
posts (both here and on HybridPhoto.com) from folks with Physics and
Engineering degrees that found the information difficult to understand.

Is there any hope? I mean.. Obviously this isn't just a simple
question I'm asking. If anyone would be kind enough to take the time,
I'm glad to do this by telephone (if that would make things easier)
and save a whole lot of typing.

As far as self-help goes, I've certainly done my homework and I'm at
the end of the line. And yes, I've read whatever was relevant in the
Docs section of this group.

Please forgive the frustrated tone, no offense is intended. I'm at a
point where I either delete this thing or bang my head against the wall!

Thanks for whatever comes!

Daniel

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