I have a fretted 6 and a fretless 5. I suggest get fret lines on it (at first). I use roundwounds and my bass is fine, I would have thought they'd be rougher on the instrument, but they weren't. Very versatile instrument with expression, but sometimes limiting when it comes to technique (unless you practise your ass of with it), no 2-hand tapping on this baby (well, it won't sound that good at least).
Best of luck on your fretless. Metal fretless? Thats such a cool novel idea. (i started because of some jazz guys inspired me too, I didn't know of Steve yet, it was many years ago.)