I don't have any problems with my printer, but when I was buying some more cartridges yesterday I noticed the cleaning cartridges which weren't there before. I did pass on them since I didn't think I needed them, but just wanted to double check.
I have a Canon Pixma ip8500 and really like it. It has 2 paper paths, duplexing and indivual color cartridges. I haven't had any problems with print heads clogging on this printer or any other Canon printer I've had in the past. I would really recemond a Pixma series printer for what you want.
I've been using Catalog800.com for quite some time. They even know me by name. I once ordered a toner that I hadn't before and they even double checked with me to make sure I didn't make a mistake and accidently oreder the wrong one.
I get my G&G cartridges from Catalog800.com and do a local pickup. Everytime I've ordered from them I'm able to pick them up within an hour. Plus they cost about $2 each.
I've tried the same thing and had the same poor results. I've have found that Canon paper works pretty well with Epson printers. Also some of the cheap no name papers work well also. Staples brand paper isn;'t that bad either.