I'm a working photographer (mostly catalog), I shoot RAW, convert to whatever the client needs or what I WANT it ot be for my personal work - and I tend to do EXTENSIVE postwork to producew a look or feeling that I'm going for. A friend of mine claims she will never give up film, still uses her black and white darkroom in her basement (big Omega enlarger for 35mm-6x7 B&W negs), and is FUMING that Kodak has stopped making B&W paper. Her only "postwork" is her selection of contrast filter, and dodging and burning. Bottom line, despite what anyone might say or imply: Do what you do - and enjoy DOING it! It is for YOU - no one else. BTW - I think your final looks fatastic - almost an illustration (very cool!), and your original reminds me of summer, running through creeks with my frineds when was young. While both work for me, which works best for YOU?