QTR-Quadtone RIP

Hi

I am brand new to this.  I was planing to purchase either K7 ink or 
Inksupply's product.  However I just learned that I can use my 
standard Epson ink with the Quadtone RIP and get some very good B&W 
results!

1)  I am using Epson Enhanced Matte Heavyweight paper for my first 
tests.  Although the curves have been provided, that paper is not one 
of the paper options.  I made some test prints usnig "Matte" as the 
paper type and a few using "Ilford Heavyweight" as the paper type. 

Is it my imagination or do the prints look sharper using the Ilford 
option?

2)  I tried to adjust the advanced sliders to create a darker shadow 
and did not notice any difference in the final image.  I would like 
to reproduce the level of black that I get using Photoshop CS3 and 
the factory ICC profile for my paper.  The blacks look better with 
the ICC but the tones are definately better with the Quadtone RIP. 

3)  Sometime in the future, will it be possible to create a profile 
that will allow me to use glossy paper?  

Thanks

Alan Tochterman
Brand new to this