Overprint preview + white ink = trouble

Is there _effective_ and _efficient_ way to preview % tints when artwork ink is lighter color than background paper/shirt/etc.? (Have same prob in Illus and InD.) This prob is similar to other threads but not quite same issue, I believe.
Examples: (1) Vector t-shirt art, one color ink (prob opaque white) on darker shirts, or (2) silver ink on black cover stock invitations.
First -- I clearly understand diff between tint % and transparency, knockout, overprint, "paper" color vs. white spot ink, etc. When designing and working with black only (K), we can use "inverse" color to simulate look for client approval.
BUT when creating document correctly, 30% tint of pale color spot doesn't "look" grey in overprint preview, as 30% opacity in transparency field does. Worse yet, if _both_ transp and tint % used in design phase, then essentially needs flattening before output; but want to preserve vector shapes so as not to interfere with printer's screens/angles, etc.
Am I missing software feature I should be using instead? Appreciate any suggestions,
--romy
Lo-res from screenshot attached, as example.

I fully understand your problem. Does an opacity mask help?
Say you have a black background (the colour of your t-shirt which you can keep on a back layer, locked so that it's out of the way).
Now (on a top layer) do your tonal stuff using black and percentages of black.
Behind that (also on the top layer) make a rectancle of spot white that comes underneath the black artwork.
Now select everything on the top layer and in the Transparency palette hit on the little button at the top right of the palette and select Make Opacity Mask.
Reverse the mask as required.
Reckon that ought to work and I don't think you need to flatten anything.

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