Yes that is my thoughts too. It is his site so he should pick out what he likes out of your arsenal. You did a fantastic job on them all so I am sure he will be quite happy.

I like the third version, It's almost the best of both, the V cut out seperates the E & A but also helps to keep the flow of the first design. The only thing I don't like personnally is the triangle on the top of the E, just seems out of place and not needed.

I think it looks like an elephant!

Nice though.

Have you considered working in the abrasive aspect somehow? Something like this butchery of your sample: