Quick update to this thread. This thread sure has some reach/legs to it. I get contacted a few times a week in reference to DTG and the Mlink/Brother machines in particular. We are still using the Mlink daily. We are doing anywhere from 10-60 prints a day. Most days around 18-24 shirts on it. Some days its full day and we do in the 30-40 shirt range (almost all double sided shirts).
Enough time has passed that my stance is even more firm as to ink cost/use goes. Anyone in the market for a DTG you need to make that one of your most important factors when your buying. So be it a Mlink or Brother or some other brand, ink costs have to be right up there on the top of your check list when considering a machine. Cost of the machine will far be a memory and that ink cost/waste will be glaring you in the face daily.