Yeah hard to say which looks better really but I think I actually like the first version as it looks a tad more natural
As for this whole "respecting the light" palava... I know what it's all about and the idea is sound in some respects but it's not gospel, just one blokes opinion really. Presenting the Tarantula with a blown out core just because David Malin seems to suggest that's how it should look is well just crazy in my opinion. There is detail to be seen in there, so lets see it
. As long as it doesn't look like there is a dark hole in the middle of the neb and you can pull it off as a graduated effect you can maintain the depth
and see the detail,
Steven Mohr's DM entry is a classic example of perhaps the best rendition of the Tarantula going and it is not blown out. The same skill becomes useful with M42 as well.
Mike