Photography is one of my hobbies. I had an Epson Colour 800 for about 5 years with no problems. Tried generic cartridges and they were a waste of money. Then it went 'clonk' as something broke inside, so I recently bought an Epson stylus photo 1290, which I run via a USB hub. I run it alongside a Brother 1450 laser - another excellent printer.
The 1290 does A3 printing as well, and has the capability to take rolls of photo paper (an incidental addition that I cannot see the need for at present). I am totally satisfied with it and it prints superb photographs on photo quality glossy film.
I have no beef with Epson; so, UNCTUOUS, you must be unlucky in your experiences...