I'm doing my first OBW right now, so I understand your dilemma. I played with mine for three days, then I said "ENOUGH" and just went for it and started sewing. I love the patterns you both have laid out, and I would go with them if they were mine, but in the end you have to decide.
If it helps, when I checked out the author's OBW's there were obviously blocks that didn't merge with the others, and I think this was on purpose. It gives the quilt more visual interest and helps the eye move from design to design.
Both of those are lovely!! Way to go.