QTR-Quadtone RIP

I'm using an Epson R1800 with QTR and the 3-MK setup.

I am experimenting with using this carbon-black-only printing on  
Ilford Gold Fibre Silk paper. While the 3-MK setup uses only MIS Ebony  
ink, which is a "matt black ink" and hence not recommended for the  
paper, I rather like the results, and think that lovely, if somewhat  
delicate, prints can be made this (with suitable coating).

The problem:  the Ilford paper is so stiff, and the surface so  
delicate, that it will not reliably feed through the "tray" feeder,  
and I have *never* been able to get the single-sheet feeder at the  
back of the printer to work properly.

The single-sheet (manual) feeder makes all the requisite noises, and  
at least some rollers move in various ways, but the paper is not  
touched. I have tried all kinds of repositioning, and nothing helps.  
It might work properly one out of twenty or thirty times.

Does anyone have any suggestions?  I have never had similar problems  
with a 2200 or a 4880.

Thanks.

Myron