Hello Blrrgstrm.
I understand your concerns. Please indicate what printer you have. Click on this website: Model Number.
Please reference this HP document on Advanced Color Management which will provide steps on printing in gray scale and photo quality.
If you are unable to access these types of settings, then it could be your Operating System. Unfortunately, HP is still providing full feature software for 10.9 since it's still "new".
I hope this works and if it doesn't, sorry for the inconvenience.