Keep in mind when reading my comments that my goal is to create the finest quality prints, bar none, regardless of cost, effort or time. I make a living selling fine art prints at high prices. My goal is quality, not quantity. I also do not try to save money on equipment, ink or paper. I use the finest of everything. I built my career around this concept and collectors expect the highest level of quality from me.
If you are trying to reduce your costs, or "come close" to the quality of the top printers with older equipment, I am not the person to ask because this is not what I do or teach.
On the other hand if your goal is to create the finest prints in the world, regardless of cost, time, learning curve, etc. I am the right person.
Digital equipment constantly improves, and the latest equipment, so far, has proved better than previous equipment. I am not one to buy things just because they are new. If I buy new digital photography equipment it is because it gives me a visible improvement compared to previous equipment.
When I was teaching at the University, a student asked me "What do I have to do to get a C in your class?" I told him I was the wrong person to ask because my goal was not to teach C students. I told him I could tell him how to get an A (do everything required well) or an F (do nothing) but a C, I had no idea.