Epson Xp-7100 Printer Locked Up

Well, talk about being hijacked! I upgraded the firmware for this printer and now I'm locked out since I have 3rd party ink cartridges instead of GENUINE Epson ink cartridges installed in the printer.

I'm running Windows 10 on my laptop. I've tried the WICReset program but it returns a page saying you cannot downgrade firmware on this model printer. Being stubborn, I found a self-extracting older firmware version (FW_HTL.exe) but I can't put the printer into recovery mode and press the required buttons because the control panel won't budge from showing empty ink cartridges. (current firmware: YL13Q7 13/07/26)

Out of desperation and thinking perhaps I could reinstall the printer using the original software disk/old firmware, I went into Device Manager and the Registry and deleted all references to the printer.

Well I guess the firmware is located IN the printer because it would not install.

I AM buying genuine Epson ink cartridges so I can use the $#@^! printer. Talk about infringing on personal freedom. They're controlling my ink purchases! If I would have known of this manufacturer scam I wouldn't have bought this printer model!!

I'm wondering if there are any computer wizards out there that know of a solution to this 3rd party ink lockout.
Thanks for listening...and any offered solution.