Epson Stylus PHOTO RX500

I cannot believe the scams these printer companies are pulling these days. I recently ran out of colour ink in the printer which to me originally I didn't think was a problem...I just wouldn't print colour. Guess what!? You can't. If any of the ink cartriages should run out the whole bloody printer does not function! Is that right? Its a bloody joke is what it is. I can't scan, print black only...nada, zero, zilch!