Digital BW, The Print

HI all

I'm thinking of buying the new version of EyeOne Photo which comes 
with iMatch version 3. I want to be able to:

1) Linearise the 26 step greyscale for an IJC profile.
2) Create soft proofs for B&W as per Roy's method.
3) Create my own ICC colour profiles.
3) Calibrate my monitor. (Already do this with a Spyder)

I have read nothing about how to measure for greyscale linearisation 
except that you can do it. Is this straight forward ?

From what I have read it seems this is an excellent tool. However I 
would appreciate any comments from users. 

The cost in the UK is just under £1000. 

Is it worth it ?

This hobby is getting expensive !!!

Many thanks in advance.

Peter.