QTR-Quadtone RIP

I am thinking of getting into true black and white using a lower-end R 
series Epson printer. I see that QuadtoneRIP supports some of them with 
Mediastreet inks. I know nothing about Mediastreet: are they suitable 
for a (keen) amateur who doesn't do much printing volume?

What papers work with their inks that are supported by QuadtoneRIP? I 
am thinking of using Kirkland Glossy (since it is likely to be easy to 
get where I live).

Does anyone do custom curves for people without the needed hardware 
(densitometer or scanner) at a reasonable price? I don't have a 
densitometer and I don't have a scanner, so I would need curves for any 
paper-ink combination that are not already supported.

In color I am getting good results from Cathy's Profiles in California, 
but she only does RGB, not black and white. She does ICC profiles.