You have a good memory. I do like a taller head tube, since my arm and leg lengths put me in a bigger frame than my height would indicate. And yes, I'm still riding that Fuji Supreme RC. Alas, I do not have stack and reach numbers for it.
I wouldn't need the smallest size in the Macho King. Actually, the 52cm geometry seems to match that of my Fuji most closely, and it has a 130mm head tube. The Niner in a 53cm size has a similar length head tube as well. I test rode a 50cm Niner and couldn't get comfortable in the drops- too cramped. The Mettle is only 99mm for a 50cm frame, which is likely the size I would need in that frame.
I really do want the Mettle for so many reasons, but it's designed to race and the head tube length worries me.
Thanks for helping me talk this through.