Jerm,
Most audio progs (from Finale to DP4 to Peak...) seem to have an explicit default setup template (window displays and positions, color styles, mixer instrument definitions, default metronome/tempo/etc.) Metro6, on the other hand, seems to remember the display layout of the last saved file (and _not_ remember mixer settings, etc.)
I've found that I can get the effect I want very nicely by setting up for a project and saving, then LOCKing the Metro file. Now I can drag that file to the OSX dock, and click on it to get a really complete initial configuration. I can save various configurations in that way, and take my choice. And as long as it's finder-LOCKed, I can't accidentally overwrite it.
And "Save as..." create my actual project.
I think this (or an analogous) way of making setup templates should be in the documentation!
But...
[1] If I DO accidentally try to save, I get an ugly internal error message, apparently from the OSX file system code, rather than a polite and informative message from Metro6 itself.
[2] It would be nice if there were a "new template" or "new initial configuration" choice in Metro's File menu...perhaps as a submenu on New...