I've had 4 different Epson printers in the last few years, starting from R200 ending up with R340 - I have never ever had any problems with printers themselves. Printed out probably 200 compatible cartridges without any probs.
i also use the r200 seems like its a popular printer, im using the contious ink at the mo thought it would save me a few quid, but iv had loads of problems, the head keeps drying up, ink leaks every were, keep geeting air bubbles in the tubes so when the inks all gone im going bk to the compatables.
If cost or replacement cycle is the issue, use a laser printer!
I intend to when my stock of ink has been depleted..... about the same time the world cup gets underway at this rate...... still thats better than when England WIN the world cup or Wimbledon or ???????