I still feel like they're too loud after checking out your second mix. I'm by no means a seasoned pro at mixing--but as a diehard heavy metal listener i would say they still overpower everything else in the mix.
I know that the orchestral parts are a focal point of the song probably--but most of the time when i listen to metal with strings like this, they're put up front enough so you can hear them, but quiet enough so you barely notice they're present. Even in symphonic metal.
If you'll listen to this, i think it's a great reference. Lots of samples going on, but the drums and guitar/bass are still VERY prominent. In my humble opinion, it's fuckin' badass, melodic, and still very metal.
