The pickup position is the key to the ‘Ray, IMO. They always sit well in a mix. My current shorty is nice and light, a breeze to play and tonally very versatile with the series/single/parallel switching.
Gratuitous photo…
Having played both 4 and 5 string Japanese Metros, I would recommend them whole heartedly. Easy to play, well balanced, great tones. I can’t speak for the new, Warwick ones. Worth it? Yeah, I think so, compared to similar, premium basses.