The blended version is more creative, which I like. Getting a good photocopy quality to a piece is excellent practice which every artist should strive for from time to time - it teaches so much - but it is creatively sterile. I also prefer the more meticulous work. That is more painterly to me. Cruder (in the technical sense) does not mean more painterly, but that is just my taste and what is art but taste. In any case, well done for both!