Thanks for the feedback guys.
I must admit, I'm gobsmacked. $1200 pro printer and it can't feed paper. That's just unacceptable.
I just got off the phone with Epson and eventually they agreed to send me a replacement. BUT, as the printer is over 30 days old - though with only 225 sheets through it - they're sending a refurb. I can't tell you how unimpressed I am. To make matter worse the tech started arguing with me, asking what I intended to do if the issue continued with the replacement unit!! I was going to tell him demand my damned money back and get a Canon, but I restrained myself.
There is definitely debris building up on a feed roller. I'm getting consistent scuff marks on the front of the paper, about 3 inches long, on the edge that feeds into the printer. I tried running a piece of Brilliant Lustre through and it actually left a burnished scuff on the face of the paper.
abiggs, I have seen a couple of vague comments about paper handling problems with the 3800, but haven't seen any discussions of it or mention in any of the reviews I looked at before making the decision to buy it. I'd love to see or hear any further discussions of these problems as I've got a nasty feeling I'm going to be talking with Epson again and I'd like as much information as possible to argue my case .
pflower, could you describe how you run the paper towel against the roller in a bit more detail. I'm not sure I understand how to make that roller accessible and turn fully while cleaning it.
EricM, I'm letting the sheets dry before running them through again. If I can, for 24 hours, loose stack of 6 prints. But the issue is happening on the first side anyway.
nick