I think most people here would say that the 6'2", 180 lb guy needs to eat a sandwich or two. What you say about height is very true... the 5'6" 180 lb guy has some mechanical advantages over the 6'2" guy. To overcome that, Mr. 6'2" probably needs to be upwards of 240+ lbs to be lifting comparable weight.
In that regard, a 6'2", 180 lb powerlifter is a bit of an oxymoron, the same way a 6'2", 180 lb offensive lineman would be.
I don't think I can answer the question of "what's strong" for a taller, skinnier athlete. As it stands now, any 180 lb athlete is going to be judged the same, whether they are 5'2" or 6'7". Yes, you can be strong and lean. But it's not easy.