The bird ingestion tests are a lot more stringent now than 30 years ago. However, composite material technology is a lot more advanced. That's why it's working with the GE90 but it didn't with the RB.211. My understanding is Rolls composite blades in the late '60s would delaminate too easily. It couldn't stand up to any FOD (and hence birdstrikes).
Yes, the GE90 has a metal leading edge. It serves at least two purposes that I know of. One is aerodynamic. The other is protection from FOD damage (and hence delamination).