Ok, gotta go middle ground here: I liked the original except for the bough branch being a bit too intrusive because it fought with the vignette. But I don't like the entire branch lopped off because it has left a large bare area in the bottom right of the picture.
I think the branch could have been cloned out at halfway along, this would allow you to keep the other branch that crosses it and give a more balanced feel to the whole tree. I would have had a go at it but it's very difficult to do that on the vignetted version. Maybe you could give it a go Fi or pop me the original over and I'll have a go at it.
But I DO like this shot a lot, it has character and gives me a feeling (had to get that in
) of a wood that looks imposing and a place to keep out of at night. Interesting shot, well done.
Cheers,
Rob