That's a good way to do it Don...I do the same... I think the newer printers have less problem with clogging... and no microbanding....Epson seems to have worked that out much better...I think the method of allignment is part of it...
FWIW, I simply do a nozzle check before printing and rarely need to do a head cleaning with my 2200, knock on wood! I've never had banding problems but have had the occasional head strike if I am not careful about loading the OHP.