I have had an Epson Stylus Photo R220 printer for years & although I do not print too often have never had a problem with ink drying out,is this unusual ? Also I bought a job lot of ink cartridges about 3 years ago, would they still be safe to use ?
As long as theres ink still in them they will be safe to use, they wont damage anything, they just wouldnt print.
If for some reason they dont print then put them in warm water for a few mins, that can revive them, not always but on the few occasions Ive had print carts dry up its worked.