Hi,

Well, I got the Metal Mule rack, so here's some feedback.

It's just what I wanted. Nice big rack, level with the seat, sturdy construction. My only concern from the pics was the flat bars that make up the structure being a bit bendy, but they are nice and chunky. No fears about manhandling the bike by the rack, though it is a bit high to get good leverage unless deeeep in bog.

Only downside was the fitting kit was a mixture of the with pannier frames and without pannier frames kits. Full credit to Metal Mule though - they sent me the right bits first class the day I emailed them to let them know. All in all, I'm happy. Thanks all for your advice.

Here's a pic of it loaded up. You can't really see the rack, but it definitely is doing the job I want it to!