Personally, I liked the first version better, too. I agree with the mixing suggestions you've been given but I prefer the beginning of the first take over that second one. Something about how it stops and then starts again is abrupt to me. It's just a suggestion, but I think it flows into the verse better, in the first version.Honestly, I liked the first version best. The song completely changed without any guitars, and without that second lead instrument. Those heavier guitars really made the song, for me. It gave the chorus, as well, a heavier feel.