Eh? I can't imagine a situation where you would EVER need or want a BB that high off the ground! Combined with the steep head angle, it's almost as if it was designed for a 190mm long shock, but they stuck a 200mm one in just for laughs!
It's certainly not function over form… Both Function AND form are IMO highly questionable…
The BB is 13.75 on the new model, is that really that high? The HA is 67 on the new model, again not slack enough? This frame is one of Chumba's longest standing designs and has evolved and tweaked over the years.
The EVO might be UGLY and unconventional, but everyone who has ever ridden one says they ride great, and is stiffer than most other bikes in its class. The old EVO's higher BB actually felt ok when on the bike, certainly not the complete no no you describe.