Great shots , I know what you mean I often have the same problem . I think it just boils down to personal preference.
It seams to me the cacti bushes have a little better light than the cropped version. When my eyes wander around on the image I like the fact of seeing the small tree in the distance , when this image is printed up to about 24x36 all these details will be most important to absorb all that is taking place in this shot . Wonderful capture
Regards Randall