Digital BW, The Print

I print with a 1280 with U2 inks and either QTR or Paul Roark's 
curves.  I just read Paul's note on making a B&W ICC with a scanner and 
here is the dumb question:  what improvements should I expect to see in 
my printing if I go this route?  I assume that 1)there would be a much 
greater probability of the print matching the image on the monitor and 
2) I could profile new papers.  The Epson 1600 seems to run about $500 
refurbished which is a lot, especially given that I am coveting a 
2400.  So, while I realize the answer is subjective, what other 
advantages should I expect if I buy a scanner and learn how to use the 
ICC profile tool?

Thanks,

Steve