1. There's some discussion of different approaches in the alt-photo
archive, which is in any event fun to read. Send for it.
2. Wm Crawford's "Keepers of Light" (See FAQ) has a few pages of general
orientation, although availability of film isn't what it used to be.
3. Each process, in fact each process-paper combination, prints a
different contrast range and so requires a different negative. Some
emulsions (like platinum, which besides the mystique of great cost is
much of its appeal) have adequate contrast controls. Others (like VDB and
cyanotype) need relatively on-target negatives. One contrast definitely
does not fit all.
4. Lith film is as cheap as paper and available in MANY sizes (from
Freestyle and Photowarehouse, among other US sources). Adroitly handled,
it can do about anything. Dilute Dektol (1 to 7 to 1 to 12, or higher) is
customary, though I'm testing some soft-working developers (glycin and
phenidone) for better highlight control.
Good luck, Judy Seigel, NYC