Why, if my model Epson printer is not on the list of those supporter by Snow Leopard, did said Snow Leopard force Gutenprint into my computer in the first place???
That's exactly why, your printer wasn't supported by Epson on Snow Leopard in time for the release. If Epson doesn't notify Apple that they have drivers for a product in time for the release, then Snow Leopard will try to install drivers that are supposed to be compatible with a particular printer. I'm sure the drivers you got were not what you wanted, but I'm also sure you could print with them. Some companies are behind the curve, sometimes on purpose.
These printer companies have had many months to develop drivers for Snow Leopard. Some did, like Brother, who had their 2.0 drivers working with Snow Leopard several months ago. They were available and are automatically added to Software Update after you install SL. Those drivers even improved my printer's abilities. HP, Epson, Samsung - they're playing catchup.
Time Machine is your friend. Apple has said many times that there would only be a few cosmetic changes to the GUI. There is no business reason to upgrade to a .0 version of any OS or program. SL is the foundation for new programs and systems to be able to take full advantage of the Intel processor. Now if Adobe and other companies will get off their butt$ we can get the potential improvements this foundation will support.