That '91 Merlin broke at the chainstay and shifter bosses (much like your photo) at about the same time. I left it out with the trash. I wasn't the original owner and it wasn't worth repairing (no warranty to secondary owners).

But the trash guys probably didn't have a problem lifting it into the garbage truck : ). I liked that bike (my first Ti frame) but frankly the Ibis really blows it away. I haven't ridden newer Merlins, I'm sure they've gotten much better.