I slightly prefer the lower-contrast print. The thing that cinches it for me is the better separation in the leaves on the right hand side and the texture on the lower part of the pumpkin. Overall, it has a more open feel. You could, of course print higher contrast and do a bit of dodging to bring the darker areas up just a bit. Very instructive; it's always interesting to see how different people read a print.
I like the Top. It makes it more dramatic. you have to burn in the left side a lot way to bright for this pic. Need some kind of texture on the stucco.