For everything under 20,000 impressions from basic line copy to tight register multi-color & pleasing 4-color I've run plate material through a basic imagesetter for years. Negs are just a burden.
I'll hang plates for a book all day long and never move a dial or head clamp.
The catch is a RIP - you'll see posts (Agfa Forum) going on for years about connectivity (use an old Mac) and calibration (can't help there). I run an Accuset 1000 Plus with no RIP.
FWIW, we purchased a used Platesetter with Installation, RIP and 60 days no question return policy - sent it back. It didn't image to what I was accustomed to or expected.
