I don't like being able to see the background through the render, and yet I can.
On the second one making the GARA word look like a reflection with the 2 R's in GARRA turning into one R might be interesting, though I am not sure exactly how well that would work out. Worth checking out though.
Render's colors fit nice with the background.
Idea: Take the secound ones background and put it over the first ones, blending it. This could cause a mix of the two that would compromise for those who like the first background and those who like the secound background.
Oh and I like the lettering from the second one more.