i like the scattered one of the reds best (the pic you labeled "1st")....my OCD is showing as well... cuz in the first photo (the one you said was your "most recent" arrangement) i'd want the reds all in diagonal rows - not grouped here and there......so for me, it's either group them into a secondary part of the pattern - or get them scattered (not touching) each other. Good luck !! Whatever you decide, they are beautiful blocks and your quilt will be too.